The modification of optimum solar chimney geometry to achieve target comfort ventillation in Malaysian condition

Abstract

In terms of passive cooling design in housing, tropical climates present the most difficult problem to solve. The climatic conditions of the tropical regions are characterized by high air temperatures, high relative humidity and very low wind speeds. These make the environmental conditions uncomfortable. This situation arises from the low air velocity and high temperature experienced during day time. The wind effect is also not well utilized especially in the usual single sided ventilation. The field measurement study on an existing house indicated that the basic design of single storey terraced house is not effective in providing natural ventilation for achieving thermal comfort. It is hypothesized that solar-induced ventilation may be a viable alternative.