Thermal Design of Buildings: Understanding Heating, Cooling and Decarbonisation

Thermal Design of Buildings is essential for creating comfortable, healthy, and productive environments while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It combines architecture, engineering, and individual needs to develop solutions that consider the broader built environment and energy systems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2021
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

The way we heat, cool, and ventilate our buildings is of paramount importance in today's world, encompassing a wide range of concerns such as creating comfortable, healthy, and productive environments, optimizing energy and material usage, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. As we strive towards a zero-carbon society, there is a growing demand for design solutions that seamlessly integrate architecture, engineering, and individual needs. Thermal Design of Buildings serves as a valuable platform for developing these solutions, placing technological advancements within a broader context of the built environment and energy systems, while also providing a historical perspective on how buildings have responded to climate change and sustainable development.

The heating, cooling, and ventilation of buildings play a crucial role in shaping our contemporary world. They directly impact the well-being, productivity, and environmental sustainability of individuals and communities. By designing efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, we can create comfortable and healthy indoor environments while minimizing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the key challenges in thermal design is achieving optimal energy efficiency. This involves incorporating innovative technologies, such as energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, renewable energy sources, and smart building management systems, to reduce energy consumption and minimize the carbon footprint of buildings.

Another important aspect of thermal design is the consideration of individual needs and preferences. Buildings should be designed to accommodate a wide range of activities and lifestyles, ensuring that occupants can enjoy comfortable temperatures and air quality regardless of their specific requirements. This may involve incorporating features such as adjustable thermostats, personalized ventilation systems, and natural lighting to enhance occupant comfort and well-being.

In addition to energy efficiency and occupant comfort, thermal design also plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By designing buildings that are highly insulated, using renewable energy sources, and implementing energy-saving measures, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Historical Perspective:

The evolution of thermal design has been shaped by historical events, technological advancements, and societal changes. Over centuries, buildings have responded to changing climate conditions, technological innovations, and social needs, leading to the development of innovative heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

One of the earliest examples of thermal design is the use of natural ventilation in ancient buildings. In hot climates, buildings were designed to incorporate open windows, courtyards, and other ventilation features to allow for natural airflow and cooling. This approach was later adapted by the Romans and Greeks, who developed sophisticated heating systems using hypocausts and other technologies.

In the Middle Ages, the development of chimneys and fireplaces revolutionized heating and ventilation. These technologies allowed for more efficient heating and improved indoor air quality, but they also contributed to air pollution and environmental degradation.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the advent of modern heating and cooling technologies, such as central heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, transformed the way we heat, cool, and ventilate buildings. These technologies allowed for more precise control of indoor temperatures and improved comfort, but they also increased energy consumption and contributed to environmental pollution.

Today, as we strive towards a zero-carbon society, thermal design is becoming increasingly important. Designers and architects are exploring innovative solutions that combine energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and environmental sustainability. This may involve the use of renewable energy sources, passive design principles, and smart building technologies to create buildings that are both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion:

Thermal design is a critical aspect of modern building construction and management. By integrating architecture, engineering, and individual needs, we can create comfortable, healthy, and sustainable indoor environments. By optimizing energy efficiency, considering occupant preferences, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we can contribute to the fight against climate change and create a better future for ourselves and future generations. As we continue to advance in technology and design, thermal design will play an increasingly important role in shaping the built environment and improving the quality of life for everyone.

Weight: 668g
Dimension: 190 x 246 x 206 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785008986