Solar air heating in facade

Baseline strategy · No score

Preheat outdoor air by ventilated solar surface to reduce thermal demand when climate and use are appropriate.

Subject: Thermal systems and ventilationContext: Industry · Buildings · Cold climatesCost: highEffort: highLevel: ambitiousStage: designMaturity: context-dependent
Principle of Calentamiento solar de aire en fachada
Operating principle

How it works

Preheat outdoor air by ventilated solar surface to reduce thermal demand when climate and use are appropriate.

It meets thermal and indoor air needs after reducing demand, through sized, controlled, maintainable systems compatible with decarbonization.

When does it make sense?

  • After reducing loads and defining health and comfort requirements
  • When partial load and year-round performance can be compared
  • With access to commissioning, maintenance and monitoring

How to apply it

  1. 1

    Define what need resolves "solar heating of air in facade" and establish a starting situation.

  2. 2

    Compare alternatives and adapt design to climate, use, regulation, affected people and available resources.

  3. 3

    Apply with clear responsibilities, check the actual result and correct unwanted effects.

Potential benefits

Thermal comfort

Healthier indoor air

Lower consumption and power

Limitations and precautions

  • The result depends on context, design, execution and how it is used and maintained.
  • Nominal efficiency does not guarantee the performance of the entire system.
  • Dimensions, refrigerants, noise, hygiene, controls and maintenance should be evaluated.

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