Efficient Architecture-Ue

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES
PASSIVE ARCHITECTURE: EFFICIENT AND SMART
CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 1

INTRODUCTION
Passive architecture, defined as the one that is adapted to the climatic conditions, is not something new; ancient
cultures already used it.
Socrates (469-399 bC) proposed the megaron, a construction that based on the Greek house, had a modified plan
that allowed maximum gains in winter and an adequate comfort in summer with the cantilever.
In spite of this, during the 20th century, with the irruption of the International Style, the energy and comfort
considerations were lost, carrying to a unified architectonic style, international, in which aesthetics, functionality
and economy were the most important things.
In the 70s, with the petroleum crisis, the importance of energy was recovered. Nowadays, due to the climate
change preoccupation, the Governments have started to control the CO2 emissions, in order to limit the global-
heating process.
In building construction, the energy consumption due to the use of a building (heating, cooling, producing
hot water and lighting) is responsible for most of the CO2 emissions. The energy used during the
construction process and the one used in order to manufacture the materials, mean a very small
percentage.
According to this, it is a must to think about passive architecture, both in new and existing buildings.

INTRODUCTION
In Spain, the entry into force of CTE in 2006 meant a great energy efficiency improvement in building construction
that was even higher in the modification of 2013. In spite of this, we can even be more efficient, working with
environmental certifications and/or construction standards.
BASIC REGULATIONS (COMPULSORY) < ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATIONS < CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
- BASIC REGULATION: CTE DB HE 0-5 (energy demand and consumption limitation, RITE, lighting, solar thermal, photovoltaic, etc.)
- ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATIONS: LEED, BREEAM, DGNB  They analyze al the stages: urbanism, production of materials,
transportation of materials, construction process, use and demolition. They do not propose particular solutions, and they are mainly
focused on energy consumption, so a wrongly designed building with good installations can have a good result.
- CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS: PASSIVHAUS, MINERGIE-ECO, CASACLIMA  They are mainly focused on the energy demand
and consumption limitation, providing techniques, simulation tools and criteria in order to reach a particular energy result.
Nowadays, the European Union has planned to reduce in 90% the CO2 emissions before 2050, and for 2020 it
is expected to lower 20% of the CO2 emissions, to reduce 20% of the primary energy consumption and to
guarantee that renewable-energy systems cover 20% of the energy consumption of buildings.
In spite of this, in Spain we still have lots of old EXISTING buildings that have a very poor energy
performance, and these are responsible for most of the CO2 emissions.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE RATING ACCORDING
0,05%
TO THE CO2 EMISSIONS
0,44%
3,22%
14,28%
54,76%
9,62%
17,63%

INTRODUCTION
In the last building construction directive, the European Parliament has introduced the next concept:
NEARLY ZERO ENERGY BUILDING (NZEB)
These type of buildings present very low energy consumptions that are mainly covered with renewable
sources. In 2020, all the buildings that are constructed in Europe must be NZEBs.
In spite of this, there is not a specific definition of these buildings, so we can understand the as buildings that:
a) Generate the same amount of energy that they use.
b) Buy the same amount of energy, produced by renewable sources, that the one they use.
c) Sell the same amount of energy, produced by renewable sources, that the one they use.

PASSIVE ARCHITECTURE
As stated before, the energy consumption during the life cycle of a building is based on the next aspects:
a) Heating and cooling energy consumption.

b) Hot-water production energy consumption.
c) Electrical energy consumption (without considering cooling and heating).
d) Water consumption.
All these aspects are environmentally hazardous, as they produce CO2, they reduce the limited resources of
the planet and they affect the health of the inhabitants of the planet.
In Spain, the most important aspect is normally the heating consumption (up to 50-70% of the total), followed by
the cooling one. The thermal-conditioning consumption of a building depends on its passive quality, and of
course, on the efficiency of the active systems, including:
Energy generation + Distribution + Terminal units
The kind of energy that is used is also very important, as the primary-energy consumption is different on an
electrical, gas, diesel or biomass system.
Energy demand. Amount of energy that is needed to guarantee comfort conditions inside a building, according to its use and location
(climate zone). It includes both heating and cooling energy demand.
Energy consumption. It is the amount of primary energy that is needed in order to satisfy the energy demand.
Primary energy. Energy supplied to the building that comes from renewable and non-renewable sources and that has not been
converted or transformed. It is the energy contained in the combustibles and other sources of energy, and includes the energy that is
needed in order to generate the final consumed energy, including the transport losses, the storage, etc.

The next tables shows the conversion between final to primary energy:
CONVERSION FACTORS OF FINAL ENERGY

To non-renewable
To total primary energy To CO2 emissions (kg
primary energy (kW·h
(kW·h NRPE/kW·h FE) CO2/kW·h FE)
Energy source NRPE/kW·h FE)
Electricity 2,368 1,954 0,331
Diesel 1,182 1,179 0,311
GLP 1,204 1,201 0,254
Natural Gas 1,195 1,19 0,252
Charcoal 1,084 1,082 0,472
Not densified Biomass 1,037 0,034 0,018
Densified biomass (pellets) 1,113 0,085 0,018
This table shows typical nominal-performance values of different systems (note that the global seasonal
performance will always be smaller):

In order to limit the energy demand of a building we must consider the next four aspects:
a) Loss of heat through the enclosure elements.
b) Loss of heat through the ventilation system and due to infiltrations.
c) Solar radiation gains.
d) Internal loads (metabolic activity, machines, lighting, etc.)
These four energy components mainly depend on the next passive qualities of the building that must be
controlled during the design process:
Orientation
Compactness
Solar protection
Quality of the opaque elements
Quality of the translucent elements
Airtightness of the elements
Ventilation aspects
Selective singular aspects
Consequently, in order to THINK ARCHITECTURE, we must consider all these parameters in order to reach a
good architectural design. Only after having a good passive design we can think about having efficient
active systems; first, we limit the energy demand, and then, the consumption.

ORIENTATION
The orientation of a building affects the energy demand through the solar radiation and the effect of the wind.
Every single architectonic element receives a particular solar radiation amount that depends on several
parameters: the shadows, the absorptivity and emissivity of the enclosure elements, and specially the orientation
The orientation of a building is defined according to the orientation of the façade that presents the highest surface
of hollows. However, in climates with hot summers (as the one we have in Spain), we must not forget about the
solar radiation over the opaque elements, as they can also effect the summer behavior of the building.
Forgetting about the effect of the wind, we can state that THE BEST SOLAR ORIENTATION of a building is the
SOUTH one, as we increase the solar gains in winter. South hollows can be easily protected in summer, while east
and west hollows are more difficult to protect and normally provide a low amount of energy in winter and high gains
in summer (the opposite effect that we need to have).
In Europe, a LONG AND RECTANGULAR FLOOR PLAN WITH A BIG % OF HOLLOWS ON THE SOUTH
FAÇADE will normally be the best theoretical shape for a PASSIVE BUILDING:
In spite of this, in dense urban locations, the orientation of the building is normally not so important,
because of the unavoidable effect of shadows produced by the surrounding constructions.
We can never forget about the effect of wind. In order to determine the best orientation according to wind
parameters, we must do a local wind analysis. This will be specially important in tropical countries, as
ventilation can cool the spaces without using energy, lowering the global energy demand.
COMPACTNESS
Compactness is defined as the ratio between the exposed surface of the building and its volume (S/V).
Compactness ratios are normally determined by the typology, program and size of the building:
Hospitals and big administrative buildings  0,20-0,50 m-1
Condominiums  0,30-0,60 m-1
Single houses  0,60-1,00 m-1
It is impossible to state a general rule about the best compactness ratio, but in European countries compact
buildings normally present a better energy performance, as they have lower heating demands, while in hot
climates, less compact buildings normally present lower summer demands, and consequently better global
energy consumption values.
It is very important to consider that linking a bad orientation combined with a big compactness can mean an
important increase of the cooling demand of a building.

SOLAR PROTECTION
Solar radiation is the passive, not-contaminant and free source that heats the buildings in winter. This effect has
also got a negative effect in summer, as solar gains mean an increase on the cooling demand of a building.
Consequently, the hollows of a building must be optimized so that we have the maximum possible solar gains in
winter, and the minimum ones in summer.
According to these criteria, the best choice are:
MOBILE SOLAR PROTECTIONS
In south orientations the protection elements must be horizontal, as the solar inclination is very high, and in
east/west orientations they must be installed vertically, as the inclination of the sun is low.
It is very important to guarantee that the solar protection elements do not increase significantly the lighting
demand (otherwise they may not be interesting); that is why we must always get the best energy balance
considering all the parameters.
The solar radiation is the passive source that heats the buildings in winter, an advantage that is transformed
into a drawback in summer. Consequently, we must optimize the openings so that we maximize the gains in
winter and minimize them in summer.
The parameter that analyzes the effect of the solar protection elements is the MODIFIED SOLAR FACTOR, which
expresses the percentage of solar radiation that is able to cross a translucent/transparent element considering the
effect of the shadows, the solar factor of the translucent element and the absorptivity of the opaque frame.
In order to do a manual calculation, we can use CTE DB HE methodology, but current energy-simulation software
(CYPECAD MEP, DESIGN BUILDER, ENERGY PLUS, ECOTECT, VASARI, CE3, CE3X,…) can automatically do
all the calculations.
SOLAR PROTECTION
Modified solar factor calculation
Table E.10. Frame absorptivity – solar radiation (a) GLASS (g values)

Single glass Thickness Regardless 0,85
Color Light Medium Dark
Not treated 4-6-4 0,75
White 0,20 0,30 -
4-12-4 0,75
Yellow 0,30 0,50 0,70
Beige 0,35 0,55 0,75 Low
Double glass emissive 4-12-4 0,7
Brown 0,50 0,75 0,92
Red 0,65 0,80 0,90
Green 0,40 0,70 0,88 FRAME (Um values – W/m2·K)
Blue Grey 0,50 0,80 0,95 Without thermal bridge rupture 5,70
Grey 0,40 0,65 - 4<R<12 mm 4,00
Metallic With thermal bridge rupture R > 12 mm 3,20
Black - 0,96 -
Medium-high 2,20
Wood Density Low 2,00
2 2,20
PVC Cavities 3 1,80
GLASS (Uv values – W/m2·K)
Single glass Thickness Regardless 5,70
Not treated 4-6-4 3,30
4-12-4 2,80
Double glass Low emissive 4-12-4 2,00

SOLAR PROTECTION
Values of Fs (shadow coefficient) due to façade obstacles (in this case, a cantilever)

SOLAR PROTECTION
Values of Fs (shadow coefficient) due to façade obstacles (in this case, only the setback)

SOLAR PROTECTION
Values of Fs (shadow coefficient) due to façade obstacles (in this case, slats/blinds)

SOLAR PROTECTION
Values of Fs (shadow coefficient) due to façade obstacles (in this case, sunshades)

SOLAR PROTECTION
Values of Fs (shadow coefficient) due to façade obstacles (in this case, skylight geometry)

SOLAR REFLECTION
A good strategy in order to lower the solar radiation effect in summer over the opaque elements is to increase
the reflectivity of these elements.
The reflectivity of a material is a physical property that depends on the color, the ambient temperature and the
rugosity of the surface.
Passing from a rugosity value of 0,1-0,2 to 0,6 in a roof can lower the
cooling demand of a building in 20%. Anyway, the use of high reflection
coefficients as well as very light colors can lead to blinding effects in
cities, so it is very important to analyze the reflection effects in order to
avoid future problems.
In the market you may find reflective sheets with metallic layers that present
very high reflection coefficients that can be installed inside ventilated walls or
roofs.
Nowadays, there are new intelligent materials that present high infrared
reflection properties, that are not necessarily light-colored and consequently
do not produce blinding effects.
Smooth aluminum 0,8 Smooth copper 0,82

Asphalt 0,07 White marble 0,54
Green leaves (from trees) 0,29-0,21 Slate 0,12
Bituminous plate 0,18 Clean snow 0,8-0,65
Rough Steel 0,25 Red ceramic tile 0,25
Galvanized Steel 0,62 White zinc 0,78

OPAQUE ENCLOSURE ELEMENTS: THERMAL INSULATION
Thermal insulation is used in order to isolate the inside space of a building from the outside.
It is very efficient if the increase of temperature between the inside and the outside is very high.
Consequently it is normally more important in winter than in summer, as the different of temperature between
the inside and the outside is normally higher.
The parameter that measures the thermal insulation of a building is the thermal transmittance, expressed in
W/m2·K, or its reciprocal, the thermal resistance.
Some architects wrongly think that having more insulation

has a negative effect in summer, arguing that this the
accumulated heat is not able to scape from the building
during the night. This is only true in buildings with excessive
solar gains (wrongly orientated and poorly protected).
A good thermal insulation in Spain consists on thicknesses of

between 8 and 25 cm of insulation material (a thermal
transmittance of between 0,15 and 0,40 W/m2·K). In the North of
Europe it is normal to work with up to even 30 or 40cm of thermal
insulation, and consequently with transmittances of between 0,10
and 0,15 W/m2·K.
A high-quality passive building must present a continuous

insulation skin without thermal bridges.

OPAQUE ENCLOSURE ELEMENTS: THERMAL BRIDGES
Thermal bridges are zones of the construction enclosure elements in which the uniformity is lost. Thermal
bridges can be punctual or linear, being the second ones the most important ones.
An efficient construction detail is the one in which the linear thermal transmittance of the thermal bridges does not
exceed 0,01 W/m·K.
KEYS:
1.- Guarantee the continuity of thermal insulation.
2.- If it is unavoidable to stop the continuity of the insulation skin, we

must use low-conductivity materials.
Controlling thermal bridges is also very important in order to avoid the

existence of superficial and interstitial condensations, due to low
temperatures and high vapor pressures, as these can cause a wide range
of construction pathologies.
Nowadays we can use software such as THERM to analyze the behavior

of all the special points of the enclosure (upper image).

OPAQUE ENCLOSURE ELEMENTS: THERMAL INERTIA
Every single construction element in direct contact with the air can absorb and contain a particular amount of
energy that depends on its calorific capacity and density. The thermal inertia describes the amount of energy
that is needed in order to increase 1ºC the temperature of 1m3 of material.
A massive element can absorb a particular amount of energy until it saturates. When the temperature of the
construction element is higher than the one of the surrounding air, then the accumulated energy is released and
transferred to the air.
The main advantage of thermal inertia is that it absorbs the excess of gains of a particular space due to
solar radiation and also to human activity. Slabs are normally used for this purpose.
During Winter, a high thermal inertia absorbs the excess of heat when there
is a very high solar radiation, and that heat can be re-radiated when there is
no solar radiation (we can store energy).
During the summer, a high thermal inertia can help us to avoid inside
temperature variations even with high solar radiation values, and
consequently to have more comfort.
Anyway, the best choice in order to have summer comfort temperature is

not a matter of having high thermal inertia values. We must minimize the
solar radiation gains.
It is also very important to state that the concept of thermal inertia does
not work on buildings with air-conditioning cooling systems, as the
cooling effect of these systems takes out the accumulated heat inside the
massive elements of the building.

TRANSLUCENT ELEMENTS AND AIR PERMEABILITY
The windows are the weakest construction elements of the skin of abuilding in terms of energy efficiency.
Very efficient building have U values (considering both the glasses and the frames) of less than 0,80W/m2·K.
Apart from that, all the translucent elements must present high solar factors (g), specially in south orientations in
order to maximize the solar gains. A good solar factor is normally higher than 0,50 (this means that 50% of the
solar radiation that hits the glass can cross it), so that the heating energy demand can be minimal.
Only in east and west orientations a low solar factor can be interesting.
KEYS:
1.- Use double or triple glazing windows with low-

emissivity glasses. Cavity gasses are also interesting,
as they lower the transmittance.
2.- Low permeability frames (class 3 or 4 according to

UNE-EN 12207); that is, frames with infiltrations of 9
and 3 m2/h·m2 with a difference of pressure of 100 Pa
between the inside and the outside.
* All the opaque elements must also be perfectly

airtight.

VENTILATION
Ventilation is vital in order to guarantee adequate hygienic conditions inside the buildings, extracting harmful
agents, as can be:
a) CO2 and other gases (for example, radon). High CO2 concentrations can affect the intellectual capacity of
humans. The concentration of CO2 must always be lower than 1200 ppm (1500 ppm means the air has a very bad
quality, and cities normally present concentrations of 450-500 ppm).
b) Water vapor. Human beings produce about 1,50 liters of water vapor per day (including showering and cooking).
An excess of water vapor can lead to condensations and to the apparition of mold.
c) COVs (organic volatile compounds). They are chemical substances that are easily transformed into gasses that
can sometime be hazardous. The most famous one is the formaldehyde, that apart from affecting our health,
destroys the ozone layer
d) Human smells. These are measured in olfs, being 1 olf the smell that a standard human produces talking 0,70
showers per day.
*In 1983, the World Health Association stated that 20% of the buildings
suffered the sick building syndrome, a phenomenon that is
intrinsically related to an inadequate ventilation (air contamination)
and also to a decompensation of inside temperatures.
Semicircular lipoatrophy is probably the most famous disease in new

administrative buildings (with exposed wires and tables not connected to the
earth system), with an incorrect ventilation system (low humidity values),
that mainly affects women on their thighs and arms.

VENTILATION
HEAT-RECOVERY SYSTEMS
Efficient buildings have mechanically-controlled ventilation systems for both impulsion and extraction,
combined with a heat-recovery system.
A heat-recovery system is a box with narrow tubes that transports both the outside and the extracted air without
mixing them. As they have very thin sheets that separate these airflows, the extracted air can transfer part of its
accumulated energy to the one that comes from the outside. There are enthalpy and static heat recovery
systems. The first ones, apart from recovering energy, can also absorb the humidity of the extracted air, while the
second ones are simpler, cheaper and present a lower energy consumption.
The static HRSs (the most frequently used ones) are divided in 2 categories:
1.- Cross-flow systems (performance = 50-70%).
2.- Counterflow systems (performance >90%).
* When heat-recovery systems are used, it is very important to guarantee that the energy that is saved using the HRS is
higher tan the electrical consumption of the fans, and also that the outside temperature is interesting in order to
activate the HRS (the HRS has normally got a by-pass duct that is automatically controlled by sensors, so that it can be
disconnected if its use is not interesting, for example, in summer nights, when the outside temperature is lower than the one
inside the building).
VENTILATION
HEAT-RECOVERY SYSTEM
The HRS is vital in order to lower the thermal loads and the energy demand of buildings, specially in Winter.
The next table expresses how the temperature varies considering two possible situations in which a heat
recovery system is implemented:
Counterflow HRS Cross-flow HRS

Temperature parameters Performance = 94% Performance = 58%
Outside air 2ºC 2ºC
Returned air 21ºC 21ºC
Impulsion air (after the HRS) 20ºC 13ºC
Extracted air (after the HRS) 3ºC 10ºC
ENERGY SAVING (impulsion temp=29ºC) 66,67% 40,74%
The amount of energy that would be needed in order to heat the air, considering a sensible-heating
psychrometric process, would be much lower when using the heat-recovery system, as this energy depends
on the difference of enthalpies (or of temperatures), as it is stated on the next mathematical expression:
* Being ma the mass of air, cp the specific heat and DT the difference of temperatures.

PASSIVE SINGULAR SYSTEMS
WIND TOWER
The aim of this system is to cause air movement inside the building when the outside temperature is high, that is
why it is normally implemented on very hot can dry locations. With these air movements, the human body can
easily reduce its temperature.
I.- Wind tower on a windy day: The speed of the air generates an over-pressure effect, and the air escapes from
the building through the opposite side of the tower.
II.- Wind tower on a day without wind: The air is heated on the south part of the tower and moves up; fresh air
enters through the patio generating an air movement.
III.- Wind tower during the night: The cold air during the night penetrates the building through the tower. The air
can move inside the building, escaping through other openings located on the opposite side.

SOLAR CHIMNEY
With a similar section than the previous wind tower, solar chimneys work the other way around. In this case, the
air cannot enter through the chimney; it can only escape through it (depression).
The wall that has an east or west orientation consists on a single glass (or cellular polycarbonate), and the
other one normally presents a black color in order to enhance the greenhouse effect. The air on the upper part is
heated, generating a depression effect inside the chimney that due to a convection effect extracts the inside heat.
This system is specially interesting for climates without important winds, in order to allow air movement in
summer. If the entrance of air is pre-cooled with, for example, a Canadian-well system, we can even forget about
having air-conditioning systems.

TROMBE WALL
It consists on a dark colored wall with high thermal inertia and a single glass in order to have a greenhouse
effect. It is very interesting to have a south orientation.

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES
PASSIVE ARCHITECTURE: DESIGNING FROM ZERO TO ZERO

FROM ZERO TO ZERO
Single house placed in Madrid

FROM ZERO TO ZERO
We will start working with a building that is placed in Madrid, with the next properties:
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
• Orientation: Undefined.
• Façades: Ventilated, U = 0,52 W/m²·K, with 50 + 30 mm of thermal insulation.
• Roof: Green roof over a single-way slab, U = 0,37 W/m²·K, with 50 mm of thermal insulation.
• Slab in contact with soil: U = 0,76 W/m²·K, without thermal insulation.
• Glass: Double-glazed windows (4/12/6); U = 2,90 W/m²·K, g = 0,76.
• Frames: Made of PVC; U = 2,20 W/m²·K; light color. Airtightness Class 4 (3m3/h·m2 at 50 Pa).
• Main door: Made of wood; U = 1,79 W/m²·K.
• Solar-protection elements: None.
• Remote buildings producing shadows over the building: None.
• Ventilation airflow: 0,63 renovations per hour, solved with a hybrid-ventilation system (as stated in CTE DB HS3).
• Air exposition: Exposed.
• Thermal bridge control: None.

FROM ZERO TO ZERO: ORIENTATION & PROPORTION
As a first optimization technique we will work with the design of the building and with its orientation. The next
criteria will be applied:
1.- Proportions: Large rectangular geometry with south exposition.
2.- Hollows: Enhancement of the south orientation by increasing the percentage of hollows in the south façade
and reducing the east, west and north openings.
3.- Compactness: We will try to make a compact design (low ratio enclosure surface/interior volume). This is
interesting because of the climatic conditions of Madrid; for example, in tropical countries, the strategy would be to
have not very compact buildings.
Different energy simulations will be done, to prove the south orientation with a compact design is the best choice.

This is the passive behavior of the building with south orientation:
Heating demand: 57,1 kW·h/m2
+0,00%
Cooling demand 43,8 kW·h/m2
+0,00%
* The limit in order to consider the building very efficient would be 15 kW·h/m2

This is the passive behavior of the building with north orientation:
+53,24%
-34,25%

This is the passive behavior of the building with west orientation:
+28,90%
+13,24%

This is the passive behavior of the building with east orientation:
+23,99%
-3,65%

FROM ZERO TO ZERO: OPAQUE ELEMENTS
The properties of the building are now the next ones.
• Orientation: South.
• Slab in contact with soil: U = 0,76 W/m²·K, without thermal insulation.

We need to have low U-values in our façades, roofs and floors in order to limit the loss of energy.
Three different improvement levels will be tested:
LEVEL ONE (+2.118,21€; +47,84%)
• Slab in contact with soil: U = 0,40 W/m²·K, 30 mm of thermal insulation.
LEVEL TWO (+2.991,52€; +67,57%)
LEVEL THREE (+8.908,43€; +101,20%)

This is the passive behavior of the building before implementing the improvements:
+0,00%
+0,00%

This is the passive behavior of the building with LEVEL ONE IMPROVEMENT:
-16,13%
+1,39%
• The limit in order to consider the building very efficient would be 15 kW·h/m2
This is the passive behavior of the building with LEVEL TWO IMPROVEMENT:
-23,52%
+2,05%

This is the passive behavior of the building with LEVEL THREE IMPROVEMENT:
-30,98%
+2,69%

FROM ZERO TO ZERO: OPENINGS
• Slab in contact with soil: U = 0,21 W/m²·K, with 100 mm of thermal insulation.

We need to have low U-values to lower the loss of energy, and also high “g” values in south, southwest and
southeast orientations to increase the solar gains, as this will lower the heating demand. Even though the
cooling demand will increase, it will be controlled afterwards with sun-protection elements.
Three different improvement levels will be tested:
LEVEL ONE (+12,18€/m2€; +23,99%)
• Glass: Double-glazed windows (4/6/6, low-e); U = 2,50 W/m²·K, g = 0,41.
LEVEL TWO (+51,85€/m2€; +102,11%)
• Glass: Double-glazed windows (4/16/4, argon, sun control, low-e); U = 1,10 W/m²·K, g = 0,45.
LEVEL THREE (+75,46€/m2; +148,59%)

+41,60%
-41,08%
-2,08%
-34,46%

This is the passive behavior of the building with LEVEL THREE IMPROVEMENT:
-8,64%
-34,39%

The airtightness of the building can be tested with the blower-door test, done on-site. Buildings can be classified
depending on the obtained results. In our case, the expected result should be under 0,6 renovations/hour.
• Partially airtight: Blower door test n50  5 renovations/hour
• Airtight: Blower door test n50  1,5 renovations/hour
• Very airtight: Blower door test n50  0,6 renovations/hour

FROM ZERO TO ZERO: VENTILATION
• Ventilation airflow: 0,63 ren. per hour, solved with a hybrid-ventilation system (as stated in CTE DB HS3).

The absence of a heat-recovery system means that a lot of energy is permanently lost through the ventilation
system, as fresh air has to be conditioned.
Two different improvement levels will be tested:
LEVEL ONE (+2.808,10€; +222,32%)
• Static HRS with a performance of 70%, guaranteeing the same air-flow.
LEVEL TWO (+3.659,71€; +289,74%)
Ventilation according to CTE Mechanical ventilation with a

DB HS3 HRS

-42,59%
-0,88%
-56,26%
-1,08%


FROM ZERO TO ZERO: SUN PROTECTION

Once the heating demand is very low, we can focus on lowering the cooling demand by implementing sun-
protection elements or devices. The best choice is to have mobile shading elements, so we can use them in
summer and not in winter, maximizing the gains in this period; in spite of this, sometimes this is not possible, and
we may have to consider static elements.
Two different improvement levels will be tested:
LEVEL ONE
• Solar-protection elements: Porch (175cm*)
LEVEL TWO
• Solar-protection elements: Porch (175cm*) + side elements*
* The size of the porch and of the shading elements in general, depends on different facts. Sometimes the
reason is merely functional, sometimes it is a design decision, and in other situations, it obeys to the result
of different energy simulations that determine the best size and position of the construction element. We
always have to work with the modified solar factor.

+20,18%
-28,64%
+22,25%
-39,36%



FROM ZERO TO ZERO: THERMAL BRIDGE CONTROL
• Solar-protection elements:Porch (175cm*) + side elements

Improving the construction details we can lower the heating demand

Thermal bridges have to be controlled during the project, preparing construction details and doing software analysis
with tools such as THERM, and of course, while the building is constructed. The insulation must be continuous in all
the enclosure elements. This is the passive behavior of the building with a good thermal bridge control:
-56,61%
+3,50%

FROM ZERO TO ZERO: EXTRA SUN PROTECTION
• Solar-protection elements:Porch (175cm*) + side elements
• Thermal bridge control: Continuous insulation.

FROM ZERO TO ZERO: EXTRA SUN PROTECTION
We are very close to a very efficient building. In order to lower the cooling demand, we need to provide extra sun-
protection. We will include translucent courtains (summer). This will be the final passive behavior of the building :
+0,00%
-28,77%

FROM ZERO TO ZERO: INSTALLATIONS
In order to complete the passive-design strategy, once the energy demand is very low, we need to choose the
installations of the building. Depending on the chosen system, the results can be radically different:
HEATING & COOLING

IMPROVEMENT
# SYSTEM CONSUMPTION
(%)
(kW·h/m2·year)
HW Accum.: No tank
Heating + HWS: 24kW Natural gas condensation boiler (97%)
I ONE 36,6 0,00%
Cooling: Direct expansion 7kW - EER=4
N
Solar contribution: 50%
S
HW Accum.: No tank
T
Heating + HWS: 24kW biomass (pellets) boiler (95%)
A TWO 8,58 76,56%
L
L
HW Accum.: No tank
A
Heating + HWS: 24kW biomass (pellets) boiler (95%)
T THREE 8,05 78,01%
I
O
HW Accum.: No tank
N
Heating + HWS: Electrical Joule-efect (98%)
S FOUR 61,86 -69,02%
Cooling: No system

FROM ZERO TO ZERO
THE DESIGN OF A BUILDING DEPENDS ON THE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
MADRID LISBON
RÍO DE JANEIRO MEXICO

FROM ZERO TO ZERO
TRADITIONAL EFFICIENT PASSIVE BUILDING:
18ºC in winter and 29ºC in summer
1.- Passive solar protection

2.- Summer sun
3.- Winter sun
4.- Big openings to the winter sun
5.- Big thermal bridges
6.- Night ventilation (summer)
7.- Enclosure with a low amount of insulation
8.- High thermal mass
9.- Medium quality for the inside air
10.- High air permeability
11.- Small openings to the North (North hemisphere)

FROM ZERO TO ZERO
CURRENT ACTIVE BUILDING:
1.- Summer sun

2.- Winter sun
3.- Big openings
4.- Intelligent solar-control elements
5.- Thermal bridges
6.- Domotics (automation systems)
7.- Geothermal system
8.- Air-conditioning system
9.- Big opening
10.- High air permeability (not controlled)
11.- Continuous fresh air from the outside
12 Heat-recovery system

FROM ZERO TO ZERO
CURRENT PASSIVE BUILDING: THE MOST EFFICIENT OPTION
1.- Passive solar protection

2.- Summer sun
3.- Winter sun
4.- Big openings (winter sun)
5.- Minimum thermal bridges
6.- Night ventilation (summer)
7.- Fresh-air supply
8.- Very insulated enclosure elements
9.- High thermal mass
10.- Very efficient heat-recovery system
11.- Low air permeability
12.- Small openings to the North (North hemisphere)

Efficient Architecture-Ue

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Efficient Architecture-Ue

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CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES

PASSIVE ARCHITECTURE: EFFICIENT AND SMART

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 1

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 2

BASIC REGULATIONS (COMPULSORY) < ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATIONS < CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 3

NEARLY ZERO ENERGY BUILDING (NZEB)

a) Generate the same amount of energy that they use.

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 4

a) Heating and cooling energy consumption.

Energy generation + Distribution + Terminal units

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 5

CONVERSION FACTORS OF FINAL ENERGY

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 6

a) Loss of heat through the enclosure elements.

b) Loss of heat through the ventilation system and due to infiltrations.

c) Solar radiation gains.

d) Internal loads (metabolic activity, machines, lighting, etc.)

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 7

Hospitals and big administrative buildings  0,20-0,50 m-1

Condominiums  0,30-0,60 m-1

Single houses  0,60-1,00 m-1

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 9

According to these criteria, the best choice are:

MOBILE SOLAR PROTECTIONS

Modified solar factor calculation

Table E.10. Frame absorptivity – solar radiation (a) GLASS (g values)

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 11

Modified solar factor calculation

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 12

Modified solar factor calculation

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 13

Modified solar factor calculation

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 14

Modified solar factor calculation

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 15

Modified solar factor calculation

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 16

Smooth aluminum 0,8 Smooth copper 0,82

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 17

Some architects wrongly think that having more insulation

A good thermal insulation in Spain consists on thicknesses of

A high-quality passive building must present a continuous

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 18

1.- Guarantee the continuity of thermal insulation.

2.- If it is unavoidable to stop the continuity of the insulation skin, we

Controlling thermal bridges is also very important in order to avoid the

Nowadays we can use software such as THERM to analyze the behavior

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 19

Anyway, the best choice in order to have summer comfort temperature is

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 20

1.- Use double or triple glazing windows with low-

2.- Low permeability frames (class 3 or 4 according to

* All the opaque elements must also be perfectly

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 21

Semicircular lipoatrophy is probably the most famous disease in new

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 22

Counterflow HRS Cross-flow HRS

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 24

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 25

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 26

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 27

CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES – EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE Prof. Francisco J. Avilés Montes 28