PASSIVE AND HYBRID COOLING OF BUILDINGS – STATE OF THE ART

Abstract

This paper deals with the state of the art on Passive and Hybrid Cooling of buildings. The existing techniques and components to prevent thermal gains and to dissipate excess energy to environmental heat sinks are reviewed. Topics dealing with the control of internal heat gains and with the occupant activities are discussed. The state of the art on design tools is presented. Thirteen European buildings using passive and hybrid cooling techniques and components are analyzed. Finally, future research needs are discussed. This work summarizes the findings of a Horizontal study on Passive Cooling carried out by the authors (1), as part of the Building 2000 research program of the European Communities.