Wall design for thermal

performance
 Exterior walls
Exterior walls act as a barrier separating the
outside fluctuating temperature and the inside
comfort conditions, giving protection from the
extremes of heat and cold.
To do this effectively they should have adequate
thermal Performance.
 Wall materials
Masonry wall construction is common practice in
Pakistan. In some areas stone masonry is also used.
• The masonry is mostly of solid burnt bricks and
solid or hollow cement and sand concrete blocks,
laid in cement and sand mortar.
• Non load bearing: light weight concrete improves
thermal resistance.
• The light weight aggregate can also be used in the
manufacture of concrete blocks.
 Cavity walls
• It improves thermal performance due to the
air space.
• It is 50% better.
• Effective in prevention of moisture.
• Air space cavity: 2-3 inches
 Wall insulation
• It can be either installed on the outer surface or inner
surface or inside the wall.
• In area where cooling is predominant, insulation
should be placed over the outermost surface and then
covered with protective layer.
• The use of polystyrene “bead board” may be more
practical here because there is less danger of damage
due to moisture.
• To add polystyrene to the inside of the cavity wall,
thereby reducing the risk of moisture damage and
improving thermal resistance of a wall.
 Wall mass effect
• The temperature rise inside a building will
depend on the mass of the wall and its heat
storage capacity.
• Massive wall can store large amount of heat at
peat outside temperatures, releasing the heat
at later, cooler, times of the day.
• Massive walls have been tradition approach to
temper the effects of wide fluctuations in
temperature and to maintain interior comfort.
 Window design
• Solar radiations are not only absorbed by the
walls and roof but enter through glazed areas.
• Which transmit solar short wavelength radiations
with little loss in heat energy.
• Glass has the property to allow short wavelength
radiation but not long wavelength.
• Heat that enters through glazed surfaces is
trapped and increases the indoor temperature.
• Appropriate placement of windows and its size is
required according to the climates.
 Window size and location
• Adjacent Windows shall be 25% of the floor
area.
• Not more than the covered wall area.
• Vents high up can help in better ventilation.
 Exterior shading
• To block unwanted summer sun and allow winter
sun.
• Diffuse source of day light for interior
illuminations
• Shading devices can be either fixed or adjustable.
• Proper designed and installed shading device will
provide more protection from solar heat gain
than interior shading devices(such as curtains and
shades).
• Where as exterior shades reduce solar heat gain
by 65% on south side and 77% on eastern sides.
 Selection of exterior shading devices
Types of shading for south faced windows:
1. Overhangs
2. Fins
3. Recessed windows
4. Awning
 Types of windows for east and west
facing windows
• Shutters
• Louvers
• Exterior roller
• Solar screens
 Interior shading
• Not effective as exterior shading but does allow
some control of light and thermal comfort for
interior spaces.
• Interior shades come I variety of materials and
forms, ranging from drapes, blinds, louvers and
shutters.
• The selection of interior shading involves several
criteria, including protection from direct sunlight,
control of glare and brightness, privacy and view
modification.
 Sun position and shadow calculation
Please see the notes given in class!!