Large Climate-Moderating Envelopes for Enclosed Structures. A Preliminary Evaluation of Energy-Conservation Potential

摘要

One method of reducing the energy consumption of one or more buildings is to isolate the buildings within a large envelope. The envelope moderates the effects of sun, wind and precipitation and provides a more benign climate for habitation, commerce and, in some climates, agricultural activities. Results of a preliminary study of the qualitative energy conservation benefits are given for a large climate-moderating envelope (LCME). The study included the effects of weather, fluid circulation and radiant transport within the envelope and energy storage in the earth mass beneath the LCME. Based on model studies for selected days, the annual energy savings for summer-dominated climates was estimated to be approx. 70%. The energy savings for a winter-dominated climate LCME were estimated to be somewhat smaller, approx. 40%. (ERA citation 08:054138)