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Earth, Wind & Fire - Natural Air conditioning. 1. Research objectives and Methods.

Number: pap. 4

Author(s) : BRONSEMA B.

Summary

Nearly zero-energy buildings cannot be achieved only by improvements to current technologies. A paradigm shift is needed to make the objective attainable. That paradigm shift is described in this paper. The Earth, Wind & Fire concept transforms a building into a “climate machine” which is powered by the natural forces and energy of the sun, wind, the mass of the earth and gravity. Ventilation air is cooled and dried, or preheated and humidified, by means of water droplets sprayed into the air contained in the Climate Cascade. The Cascade is a highly efficient heat exchanger housed in an architectural shaft. The spray water is maintained at a constant temperature of 13°C by cold or heat extracted from the ground. Assisted by positive wind pressure, the Climate Cascade also serves as an air mover, making fans superfluous. Air is extracted through a solar chimney and by means of negative wind pressure. At the top of the building, solar energy is recovered for heat storage. The double roof, called the Ventec Roof, consists of an overpressure chamber provided with wind turbines and a Venturi-ejector for exhaust air. The Climate Cascade, the solar chimney and the Ventec roof have been tested in physical mock-ups. Simulation models have been validated on the basis of real measurements. This work has resulted in the creation of reliable tools for design practice.

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Pages: 9 p.

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Details

  • Original title: Earth, Wind & Fire - Natural Air conditioning. 1. Research objectives and Methods.
  • Record ID : 30008533
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Environment
  • Source: Clima 2013. 11th REHVA World Congress and 8th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation in Buildings.
  • Publication date: 2013/06/16

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