There are two main categories of renewable energy system:
- Passive systems
- Active systems
Passive System
- So this is when you gain and store solar heat and light whilst using as less very little technology as possible
- So these systems work through the floor plan, building geometry and materials which collect, store, retain and distribute solar energy
- The main aim of these technologies is to ensure that in winter buildings can get sunlight and in Summer there isn't too much sunlight entering the buildings
- We try and keep most of the windows/glass on the south side of the building, and keep windows to a minimum on the other faces of the buildings
- Whilst thinking about solar energy, we also try and try and bear in mind natural ventilation
- Try and build 'thermal mass walls and floors' which help store heat in summer periods and in winter this energy can be used again
Active System
- These systems implement alot of different technologies to help collect, convert and deliver energy
- These systems use Wind, geothermal and bio energy
- Solar collectors will be placed on the roof and south facing facades which can be sued to heat water, air and can be used to generate electricity
- However one of the problems with active systems is the fact that they have to inspected and maintained every so often
Passive Solar Design
This is when buildings are designed in a manner where they are able to collect energy from the sun and then re-used for heating and lighting, such buildings are able to:
- Collecting energy
- Store energy
- Distribute energy
Multi-layers Approach
This approach helps reduce heating demand through:
- Form
- Insulation
- Drought stripping
So I now need to think of ways where I can introduce different passive and active technologies into my own design project, so I'll try and keep you guys updated :)