Abstract

This thesis presents a nonlinear transient finite difference two zone coupled thermal-air flow model for a solar house. The two zones may be adjacent to each other (Bungalow) or one above the other (Cottage). One zone is generally hotter than the other which can be used in summer for natural ventilation. The model developed includes floor heating and studies the effect of important design variables such as window area and thermal resistance as well as amount of thermal mass on energy consumption and room temperature swings. For natural ventilation, size of openings and shading strategy are considered. Results are presented for winter and summer and optimal values for the design variables are discussed for a typical case. The model is validated by comparison with measured published data and simulations. The effect of modeling detail is also considered.