Performance assessment of a passive solar building for thermal comfort and energy saving in a hilly terrain of India

The construction of passive solar buildings in government sector has been made mandatory in the western Himalayan Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. A number of passive solar buildings are constructed in the state to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources. In this study, results of a constructed passive solar building in Mandi town are presented. The passive solar architectural design features in the building include: modification of floor plans, fenestration and external shading design, providing solar air-heating panels, creating cross-ventilation, warm air circulation during winters and appropriate glazing for fenestrations. The main objective was to maintain indoor-thermal comfort and reduce annual energy consumption. Thermal comfort conditions in the building are analysed through a field survey as per ASHRAE Standard 55 protocols. The impact of passive solar features on heating, cooling and energy savings is evaluated using e-Quest simulation software. The indoor thermal comfort operative temperature in winters is found to range between 15.0 degrees C and 17.7 degrees C. The space heating, cooling and mechanical ventilation loads and total annual energy consumption are found to be reduced due to passive solar design features in the building. Follow-up research areas are also identified. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.