ADVANCED STUDY: PASSIVE DESIGN FOR HUMAN COMFORT

Introduction: Passive design is a system or structure that directly uses natural energy such as
sunlight, wind, temperature differences or gravity to achieve a comfortable environment as a
result without electricity or fuel. Passive Architecture involves blending conventional
architectural principles with solar & wind energy and the inherent properties of building
materials to ensure that the interiors remain warm in winter and cool in summer, thus creating
a year-round comfortable environment. It should be understood that passive architectural
design does not necessarily mean the elimination of standard mechanical systems. In recent
designs however, passive systems coupled with high efficiency back-up systems greatly reduce
the size of the traditional heating or cooling systems and reduce the amount of non-renewable
fuels needed to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Passive designs need to be considered in the context of five distinct climatic zones that are
identified and used as reference by the National Building Code (NBC) and the Energy
Conservation Building Code (ECBC 2007).These are as below –
1. Hot and Dry – e.g. Ahmedabad, Jaipur
2. Warm and Humid – e.g. Mumbai, Chennai
3. Cold (Including Cold and sunny and Cold and Dry) – e.g. Shimla, Leh
4. Composite – e.g. Delhi
5. Moderate/Temperate – e.g. Bangalore

Various systems used are:

• Thermal mass construction
• Wind towers
• Passive down draft evaporative cooling systems
• Earth tunnel cooling
• Roofing systems
• Roof gardens
• Roof and wall insulation
• Solar chimney
• Light shelf

Composite Climate: The composite zone covers the central part of India.
 Composite climate displays the characteristics of hot & dry, warm & humid as well as
cold climates.
 Design here are guided by longer prevailing climatic conditions
 Their characteristics change from season to season alternating between long hot, dry
periods to shorter periods of concentrated rainfall & high humidity.
 India being a tropical country, most of design decisions would pertain to cooling.
 Examples: The general recommendations of hot & dry climates would be applicable for
New Delhi for most of the year except Monsoon where Ventilation is essential.
 Eg: Kanpur, Allahabad.

In summer:
Day time temperature is 32-45degree Celsius.
In Night time 27- 32 degree Celsius.
In winter:
Day time temperature is 10-25degree Celsius.
In Night time4 - 10 degree Celsius.
Aim: To give the user its best thermal comfort by creating cooling or hot effect by using natural
energy.

Objective:
1. To understand basic conceptions, ideas, problems and prospects of passive design.
2. To integrate various passive techniques in built form.
3. To design and plan according to the climatic conditions.
4. To minimize the use of electricity.

Scope:
1. Thermal performance will be done.
2. Academic block and dormitories will be designed.

Limitation:
Cost will not be calculated.

Justification-
• To design a building for student comfort which is generally not provided in
College/university.
• For good and healthy environment for studying without adding expenses for running cost.