Impact of Passive Cooling Techniques on Energy Demand for Residential Buildings in a Mediterranean Climate

• Study that presents a thermal analysis of a building designed with passive cooling techniques.
• Shows reduction in energy use and improved thermal comfort with passive cooling.

This study presents the thermal analysis of a building prototype, which was designed and built in accordance with energy efficiency measures to improve indoor thermal comfort, particularly in summer. The location is characterized by a temperate Mediterranean climate. The results demonstrate that cooling energy demand is more affected by thermal transmittance values than by the envelope thermal mass. A recommended guideline for the optimum overhang length for south-facing windows is proposed. Ultimately, it is found that the combination of both natural ventilation and horizontal shading devices improves thermal comfort for occupants and significantly reduces cooling energy demand.

Highlights
•Work focuses on energy efficiency measures for improving thermal comfort.
•Prototype dwelling located at Algiers is studied experimentally and numerically.
•Grater effect of thermal transmittance than thermal mass on cooling energy demand.
•A guideline for optimum overhang length is proposed.
•Passive methods provide large energy savings potential under Mediterranean climate.

Imessad, K., Derradji, L., Messaoudene, N.Ait, Mokhtari, F., Chenak, A., & Kharchi, R. (2014). "Impact of passive cooling techniques on energy demand for residential buildings in a Mediterranean climate," Renewable Energy, 71: 589-597.