Energetic analysis of a passive solar design, incorporated in a courtyard after refurbishment, using an innovative cover component based in a sawtooth roof concept

This paper presents the experimental results and specific thermal and energetic saving analysis from the systematic monitoring carried out to analyse the energetic performance of a building with an innovative component, which is based on an optimisation of the sawtooth roof concept. This component has been installed at a building of the University of Almerı´a. The constructive goal has been to refurbish an existing 350 m2 courtyard, without practical utilisation before that moment, so as to incorporate energy saving techniques in the climatic conditioning of the available resulting zone. The innovative elements of the modified sawtooth roof are South orientated openings, thermal insulation, overhangs and integrated devices to improve natural ventilation as solar chimneys into interior space. Equipment, thermal and meteorological sensors have been installed, and the most representative parameters to analyse the thermal performance of the space have been recorded for a year. These data have made possible to analyse the feasibility, regarding functionality and thermal response of the constructive solution adopted. The analysis has been carried out through the climatic description and comparison with the climate measurements for the recorded monitoring period, and afterwards the most important efforts have been done for the thermal analysis that included the thermal comfort and the energetic characterisation of the building using the monitored data measurements. 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved