Study on effects of building form on solar thermal application

A clear description of the effects of window-wall ratio and heat insulation of building envelope on thermal application of solar energy as well as energy consumption for heating and cooling demands in residential buildings was given in this paper. Under different window-wall ratios and different heat insulation levels of building envelope, energy simulations have been carried out for a typical residential building in Shanghai using DeST software. Results showed that thermal application of solar energy can be improved with the greater south window-wall ratio and the higher level of heat insulation of building envelope, and window shading and night ventilation in summer. Due to these efficient utilizations, energy consumption for heating and cooling demands in residential buildings will be reduced.