Thermal performance of a novel Trombe wall enhanced by a solar energy focusing approach

Abstract

The Trombe wall is a passive solar building exterior wall system proposed by Professor Felix Trombe in France, which can collect solar energy to heat buildings without additional energy consumption, making it a focal point of research in building energy conservation. However, its effectiveness is constrained by the low density of solar radiation in winter and the potential for overheating in summer. This study introduces a novel Trombe wall designed to address these issues through a focused strategy, enabling automatic transition between heating during winter and shading during summer. The thermal performance parameters of the novel Trombe walls in both winter and summer seasons are examined, and their energy consumption is assessed using experimental research methodologies. Findings indicate that the novel Trombe wall facilitates greater energy savings in both winter and summer. When compared with traditional Trombe walls, the novel Trombe wall achieves a significant reduction in energy consumption, with up to 55 W/m2 in heating load during winter and 47 W/m2 in cooling load during summer. The introduction of this new system holds substantial potential for the realization of zero-energy buildings.