Thermal Performance of a Residence with different configurations of Trombe Walls: Study for Curitiba - PR

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The use of passive technologies to climatize the environment, as the Trombe wall, is a recognized way to minimize energy waste with artificial air conditioning This paper aims to evaluate, through use of the software EnergyPlus, the influence of different Trombe walls on a residential building, considering the climate context of Curitiba, city where the monthly mean temperatures are low. For a more complete analysis of the advantages in using a Trombe wall, the cost of the system was also verified. From the analyzes carried out, the use of Trombe walls was found to be an alternative to allow the increase of internal temperatures, especially when the internal ventilation windows where opened. However, on days of very low external temperatures the use of the Trombe wall was not enough to guarantee the thermal comfort of the occupants. During the summer, the Trombe wall did not cause thermal discomfort by heat. Despite its proven efficiency, the window price was found to be an impediment for the system adoption. Thus, is emphasized the importance of a study on the performance of the Trombe wall combined with other bioclimatic strategies. Otherwise, the use of artificial air conditioning will be necessary.