Passive Cooling in Mediterranean Area for a Bioclimatic and Zero Energy Architecture

Natural and hybrid ventilation systems in Mediterranean climate have huge potential in terms of energy savings and indoor comfort improvement. The main obstacles to more widespread use of such systems lie probably in the difficulties and uncertainties inherent in the design of the systems and in the predictability of actual performance. This chapter describes a methodology for overcoming these problems and presents two case studies that illustrate the process and give an example of the possible results. The design process is articulated through the use of analysis and simulation tools in a progressively more detailed manner. Thus, the general strategies are adapted to the climate and the main building features; site and general building designs depend on the microclimatespecific characteristics; detailed design and system calibration are defined on the basis of internal computational fluid dynamics and subhourly energy simulations. The case studies, two public housing buildings in central Italy, are designed on a high-energy standard, with passive solar systems, natural and hybrid ventilation strategies, high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and integrated photovoltaic modules. The design process and the estimated performance are illustrated with special regard to ventilation and cooling systems. The buildings are expected to have very low energy consumption and a high quality standard for indoor comfort, showing good potential for these strategies in the Mediterranean climate.