Numerical study on thermal performance of a building design integrating two passive Trombe walls

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with a numerical simulation of the transient thermal behaviour of Trombe walls. The temperature fields and velocity distributions are investigated in different components of a test room, in the climate of Lille- France, during two different seasons in order to provide a thorough comprehension of the potential of the Passive Trombe wall. The governing equations are solved by the Finite Volume Method using the CFD software scSTREAM V2020. The numerical results agree well with the available experimental data. The results indicated that the temperature values at the upper vents were always higher than those retrieved from the lower vents forming an air circulation in the space which promotes a comfortable indoor air temperature. Besides, other parameters such as the thickness of Trombe wall, vents dimensions and air gap thickness, are studied to inquire their influence on the Trombe wall’s performance. It is found that the Trombe wall should be constructed with middle thickness with smaller air gaps to enhance thermal comfort in a building. This investigation can be a good reference for Trombe wall design and a valuable insight into the development of a high-efficiency solar air heating system.

KEYWORDS:

• Passive solar technique
• Energy resources
• Passive Trombe wall
• Thermal comfort
• Numerical simulation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through large group Research Project under grant number RGP2/7/44.