Thermal design of a modern, air-conditioned, single-floor, solar-powered desert house

Funding Sponsor

American University in Cairo

Author's Department

Mechanical Engineering Department

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https://doi.org/10.1080/1478646X.2011.562607

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

International Journal of Sustainable Energy

Publication Date

12-1-2011

doi

10.1080/1478646X.2011.562607

Abstract

The paper presents a thermal analysis of a single-floor, solar-powered desert house. The house is air-conditioned and provides all modern comforts and facilities. Electrical power, which drives the entire energy system, is generated by roof-mounted photovoltaic modules. The modules are fixed on special cradles which fold at night to expose the roof to the night sky, thereby enhancing night-time cooling, which is substantial in the desert environment. A detailed dynamic heat transfer analysis is conducted for the building envelope, coupled with a solar radiation model. Application to a typical Middle-Eastern desert site reveals that indeed such a design is feasible with present-day technology; and should be even more attractive with future advances in technology. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

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