The principles of passive solar heating, such as basic types of systems, their description, and the components making up any passive system are presented in this 2 hour course.  Sources of data for heating requirements and available solar radiation throughout the U.S are identified and discussed along with a method for estimating the rate of heat loss from a home.  The use of these three inputs in a method for estimating performance of a passive heating system of specified size at a specified location is presented.  The data retrieval and calculations are illustrated with numerous examples.  

 

This course is intended for mechanical, electrical chemical and energy engineers, and architects.  It will also be of interest to any engineers wanting to learn more about the renewable energy field.