Evaluation of natural cooling techniques in Indian climatic conditions

SYNOPSIS The analysis and quantification of Passive Cooling Concepts in conditioned and non-conditioned buildings have been performed in this paper for Indian climatic conditions. The concepts considered are: orientation, over-hangs, surface colour, cavity walls and roof, and insulation on roof and walls. In air-conditioned buildings, insulation on walls and roofs can bring down the thermal specific energy consumption from 400 kWh/m2a to 116 kWh/m2a. If the set point is raised to a slightly higher temperature, i.e. 26°C, the energy consumption reduces to 102 kWh/m2a. In non-conditioned buildings in a harsh climate such as Delhi, no passive concept is able to reduce the operative temperature to comfort level. However, white wash (surface colour) on walls and roof and an earthberm can reduce the maximum room temperature from 41.5°C to 35.6°C, a reduction of 6°C.