Technology that utilizes a structure to capture and store the sun's heat. In a passive system, there are usually no moving parts (fans, pumps, etc.). The primary use for passive thermal technologies is in homes and buildings for space heating.
A system in which solar energy alone is used for the transfer of thermal energy. Pumps, blowers, or other heat transfer devices that use energy other than solar are not used.
Passive solar is the technology of heating and cooling a building naturally, through the use of energy efficient materials, and proper site placement of the structure.
A structure’s ability to collect, store and distribute the sun’s energy in winter (for heating) and to block summer sun so that little or no air conditioning is needed. Passive solar design can be incorporated into any architectural style in any climate, but it requires careful site planning and selection of construction materials and building features.
uses the sun to directly heat water, or the interior of a building, using natural heat-transfer mechanisms such as conduction and air convention currents.
Non-mechanical methods of using sunlight to heat the home. Conceptually, sunlight is let into the house to heat a thermal mass, such as a slab floor, which then in turn radiates the heat back into the house when needed at night.
The use of glazed areas in houses to capture solar heat, much as with greenhouses. Unlike 'active' solar devices, which have pumps to circulate water through a 'solar collector', passive solar systems have no moving parts-hence the name.
using or capturing solar energy (usually to heat water) without any external power.
Architectural designs in buildings taking advantage of site and building materials to enhance the amount of solar radiation turned into useful interior heat during cold periods and to minimize absorption of solar heat during warm periods. Contrasts with active solar.