Application of Passive Cooling Techniques in Residential Buildings: A Case Study of Northern Nigeria

Abstract

In this paper a critical analysis of how to passively cool residential build ings in Northern Nigeria was made.in particular passive design and some passive cooling strategies were analyzed. The physical properties permitting to achieve these benefits is presented as well as ways by which they can be applied. Energy in Nigeria has been a major challenging issue as the government has been struggling to increase the national grid. This paper identifies passive design strategies that can be adopted in this climatic reg ion to min imize the use of energy for cooling, greatly boost thermal co mfort and embroider passive architecture. It is most important to achieve thermal comfort through natural means or energy efficient means. The paper discusses methods by which the cooling load of buildings can be reduced tremendously and to maximize the use of natural ways to achieve thermal comfort in buildings, it also shows the ways these passive design and cooling strategies can be adopted. The paper concludes that the application of these techniques will reduce energy demand and provide a more comfo rtable living environ ment and low carbon emitt ing buildings that are environmentally conscious and energy efficient.

Effects of Ceiling Fans on the Thermal Comfort of Students in Learning Environments of Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

“…It receives an average of 3,117 hours of sunlight annually and it is sunny 71% of daylight hours. Relative humidity hovers between 15% and 70% and Kano receives its highest precipitation of about 900 mm in August (Inusa and Alibaba 2017). Being situated within low latitudes combined with high solar radiation and low humidity, Kano region is classified as having a hot and dry climate according to Koppen's classification.…”

“…Even before the advent of fossils fuels, human beings learnt the art of excluding the effects of extreme weather from their dwelling units, in high latitude areas and elsewhere in the cold season fires were kindled, layers of clothing added to keep warm, and massive walls and roof constructed to store and utilize solar radiation. During the hot season however, lighter clothing was preferred, people changed their activities, others slept outdoors and in the daytime tree shades were sought for relaxation and hand held fans were widely used in order to keep cool (Candido, de Dear et al 2010, Inusa and Alibaba 2017, Li, Zhou et al 2017. Gradually buildings were made to perform environmentally with natural ventilation through openings; doors, windows and other architectural openings (Candido, de Dear et al 2010).…”

Reducing Cooling Demands in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Study on the Thermal Performance of Passive Cooling Methods in Enclosed Spaces

“…Passive cooling design works to reduce the heating of the building, which in turn increases the occupant comfort, health and productivity of building users while reducing energy usage in buildings by utilizing its environment by factoring the local climate characteristics such as wind direction, solar radiation, and relative humidity into fundamental design and operation of the building to create energy conservative buildings [9]. In order to reduce the heat gain in indoor spaces, passive cooling design considers the selection of building materials, the orientation of the building, the ventilation and natural light designs, the installation of solar powered systems, the integration of flora, and green systems to house designs and with the advancement in science, more passive cooling strategies are gradually being discovered [10]. In a high temperature regions the heat gain from roofs is significantly higher than the walls combined, and the right passive cooling measure can improve the heat reflective performance of the roof and even serve as a heat sink withdrawing the heat from the building envelope [11].…”

Numerical study of high density polyethylene-PCM capsules for passive cooling application in intermodal steel building space envelope

“…Passive cooling uses free, renewable sources of energy such as the sun and wind to provide cooling, ventilation and lighting needs for a household [1]. Passive cooling has the potentials to be combined with or completely eliminate the need to use mechanical cooling strategies to provide thermal comfort for occupants [1][2]. It can also reduce levels of energy use and environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions.…”

“…In the United States, light weight building construction practice is common place allowing for light weight PCM system to be installed. Again in [2], the authors add that systems like wallboard and panels containing PCM that melts at room temperature is suitable for lightweight structures where the PCM also serves as a panel structural component to provide additional wall thermal mass. The authors in [4], studied cases where PCM was directly integrated into building materials by mixing granulated paraffin wax with concrete or cement.…”