Solarium
From Swikipedia
Introduction
Sunspaces are essentially used for passive heating in cold climates. This approach integrates the direct gain and thermal storage concepts. Solar radiation admitted directly into the sunspace heats up the air, which, by convection and conduction through the mass wall reaches the living space.
Brief Description
A solarium essentially consists of a sunspace or a green house constructed on the south side (in the northern hemisphere) of the building with a thick mass wall linking the two. The sunspace can be used as a sit-out during day as it allows solar radiation but keeps out the surrounding cool air. At night, it acts as a buffer space.
Basic Requirements:
The basic requirements of this type of building are:
• A glazed south facing collector space attached, yet distinct from the building
• Thermal storage link between the collector and living space for heat transfer
Variations and controls:
The location of the sunspace depends on the building design and orientation of the sun. The area of contact between the sunspace and the living space determines the size of the former. The thermal mass must be located where winter radiation can reach it. Floors, walls, benches, rock bed or covered pools of water can be used to store heat. Glazing should preferably be sloped by about 45o in overcast and 60o in clear and sunny areas.
The storage walls are generally 200 – 450 mm thick. If a rock bed storage is used, then the typical size is 0.75 – 1.25 m3 per square metre of the glazed area. Ideally, it should cover the entire floor, the typical rock size being about 5 –7.5 cm in diameter. The temperature inside the sunspace must be controlled depending on its usage. Shading to prevent overheating in summer, and movable insulation and shutters to prevent heat loss in winter can be provided. If the sunspaces are used for plantation or as a green house, humidity control must be incorporated to prevent mould from growing on the storage mass or other materials kept inside.
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