Prototype Passive Solar Buildings in Louisiana - A Hot-Humid Climate

Abstract

This paper on prototype passive solar buildings in Louisiana presents state of the art passive solar design. According to U.S. Department of Energy report, the annual energy consumption for a single family detached dwelling in Louisiana is from 31,000 to 51,000 Btu's/sq.ft./yr. with a mean at 38,000 Btu's/sq.ft./yr. and for an office building is from 39,000 to 58,000 Btu's/sq.ft./yr. Incorporation of passive solar design may provide a major percentage of the energy consumption with only 2 to 8 percent of additional construction cost. The projected savings as presented in this report are an approximate estimation. However, the actual savings will vary depending upon the occupancy, operation, and maintenance of the building. At the same time, such design represents an increased involvement for the architect. The full potential of this passive solar design depends on a sensitive awareness of the relationship between climate, comfort and the thermal characteristics of buildings and building materials. The primary purpose of this work is to offer a working definition and fundamental understanding of a number of practical applications of passive solar designs in Louisiana. Four new buildings and six existing retrofitted buildings are presented.