Registration No.

Velammal Engineering College

(An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University – Chennai)
Velammal Newgen Park Ambattur – RedHills Road , Chennai-600 066

CONTINUOUS INTERNAL EVALUATION (II)

PART A
1. The process of direct transmission of heat through a material is known as
a) Conduction, b) Radiation, c) Thermal insulation, d) Thermal energy
2. The reciprocal of thermal conductivity is known as
a) Thermal conductance, b) Surface resistance, c) Specific conductance, d) Thermal resistivity
3. Thermal insulation of roofs can be obtained by covering the top exposed surface of the roof with
a) 2.5 cm thick layer of mud mortar, b) 2.5 cm thick layer of coconut pitch cement concrete, c) 7.5
cm thick layer of mud mortar, d) 7.5 m thick layer of coconut pitch cement concrete
4. Which of the following governs the efficiency of any practical solar thermo-mechanical system?
a) Photovoltaics, b) Rankine Cycle, c) Brayton Cycle, d) Properties of working fluid
5. Which of the following affects the installation of a solar thermo-mechanical system?
a) Availability of land, b) Availability of photovoltaics, c) Availability of sunlight and clouds,
d) Availability of rain
6. The Zenith Angle complement is
a) Surface Azimuth Angle, b) Slope, c) Solar Altitude Angle d) Solar Azimuth Angle
PART B
7. Define Thermal comfort.
Thermal comfort refers to the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment. It is
influenced by various factors, including air temperature, humidity, air velocity, clothing insulation, and
metabolic rate.
8. What is Dry-bulb temperature?
The dry-bulb temperature is measured using a standard thermometer, often referred to as a dry-bulb
thermometer.
9. What is natural ventilation?
Natural ventilation is the process of supplying and removing air within a building or enclosed space without
the use of mechanical systems, such as fans or air conditioning.
10. Define U-value or What is Heat Transfer co-efficient?
U-value, also known as the heat transfer coefficient, is a measure of the rate of heat transfer through a building
material or assembly. It quantifies the amount of heat that passes through a unit area of a material or
construction assembly for a temperature difference of 1 degree Celsius (or 1 Kelvin) between the two sides.
11. Define Solar Energy.
Solar energy refers to the radiant energy emitted by the Sun, which is harnessed and utilized for various
practical purposes. It is a renewable and sustainable source of power that can be converted into electricity or
used directly for heating, lighting, and other applications.
12. What is PV Energy?
PV energy stands for Photovoltaic energy. It is a form of solar energy that involves the conversion of sunlight
directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells or solar cells.
13. Which are the two main categories of solar power?
Solar Thermal Energy and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy
14. Define a trombe wall.
A Trombe wall is a passive solar heating system that utilizes a high-mass wall to absorb, store, and distribute
solar heat within a building.
PART C

15. (a). (i). Discuss in detail about the factors affecting thermal comfort.
Thermal comfort is influenced by a combination of environmental, personal, and physiological factors. Achieving optimal
thermal comfort is crucial for the well-being and productivity of individuals in indoor spaces. Here are the key factors
affecting thermal comfort:
Air Temperature:
Definition: The actual temperature of the air in a space, measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Impact: Air temperature is a fundamental factor influencing thermal comfort. Individuals generally feel comfortable within
a specific temperature range, and deviations from this range can lead to discomfort.
Radiant Temperature:
Definition: The average temperature of surrounding surfaces that emit radiant heat.
Impact: Radiant temperature affects how individuals perceive warmth or coolness. Radiant heat from surfaces, such as walls
or windows, contributes to overall thermal comfort.
Air Velocity:
Definition: The speed or movement of air within a space, measured in meters per second.
Impact: Air movement influences the perceived temperature. Higher air velocities can enhance evaporative cooling,
providing a cooling effect, while stagnant air may lead to discomfort.
Humidity:
Definition: The amount of water vapor present in the air, expressed as a percentage.
Impact: Humidity affects the body's ability to cool itself through evaporation. High humidity can hinder sweat evaporation,
leading to discomfort, while low humidity may cause dryness and irritation.
Clothing Insulation:
Definition: The thermal resistance provided by the clothing worn by individuals, measured in clo units.
Impact: Clothing insulation influences the body's heat exchange with the environment. Individuals wearing heavier clothing
may feel warmer, while lighter clothing allows for better heat dissipation.
Metabolic Rate:
Definition: The rate at which the body produces heat through metabolic processes, influenced by activity level.
Impact: Higher metabolic rates, such as during physical activity, increase internal heat production, affecting thermal comfort
requirements.
Personal Factors:
Definition: Individual variations, including age, gender, health, acclimatization, and personal preferences.
Impact: Individuals may have different thermal comfort preferences based on factors such as age, health conditions, and
acclimatization to specific climates.
Psychological Factors:
Definition: Psychological aspects, such as expectations, satisfaction, and perceived control over the environment.
Impact: Psychological factors can influence how individuals perceive comfort. Expectations, satisfaction with the
environment, and a sense of control play roles in overall comfort.
Adaptive Comfort Model:
Definition: The idea that individuals can adapt to varying thermal conditions over time, adjusting their comfort expectations
based on experience.
Impact: The adaptive comfort model recognizes the ability of individuals to adapt to seasonal variations and changing
environmental conditions.
(or)
15.(b). (i).Explain the procedure for getting solar azimuth and altitude using sun path diagram.
A sun path diagram is a graphical representation that illustrates the position of the sun in the sky at different times of the
day and throughout the year. It provides information about the solar azimuth and altitude angles, helping designers and
architects optimize building orientation and solar energy harvesting. Here's a general procedure for obtaining solar azimuth
and altitude using a sun path diagram:
1. Choose a Location:
Select the specific location (latitude and longitude) for which you want to analyze the sun's path. The sun path diagram is
location-specific due to variations in solar angles at different latitudes.
2. Determine the Date and Time:
Decide on the date and time for which you want to analyze the sun's position. Sun path diagrams typically represent the
solar path for specific times of the year, such as solstices and equinoxes.
3. Identify Solar Azimuth:
Find the horizontal line on the sun path diagram that corresponds to the selected date. This line represents the horizon. The
point where the solar path intersects the horizon line indicates the solar azimuth angle. Measure the azimuth angle from a
reference direction (usually measured clockwise from the north).
4. Determine Solar Altitude:
Locate the vertical lines on the sun path diagram that correspond to the selected time of day. These lines represent the sun's
altitude above the horizon. The intersection point of the solar path with the vertical line indicates the solar altitude angle.
Measure the altitude angle from the horizon.
5. Repeat for Different Times and Dates:

To analyze the sun's position throughout the day or across different seasons, repeat the process for various times and dates
on the sun path diagram. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the sun's path changes over time.

6. Consider Building Orientation:

Use the information obtained from the sun path diagram to optimize building orientation for solar energy efficiency,
daylighting, and thermal comfort. Orienting buildings to maximize exposure to sunlight during specific times can enhance
energy performance.
7. Interpret the Diagram:
Sun path diagrams may include additional information such as sunrise and sunset times, solar declination, and daylight
duration. Understanding these elements can further aid in analyzing solar conditions.

16.(a).(i).Explain the passive cooling techniques.

Passive cooling techniques involve designing and utilizing building elements, materials, and natural processes to enhance
thermal comfort and reduce the need for mechanical cooling systems. These strategies work with the natural environment
to dissipate heat, promote airflow, and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Here are some common passive cooling
techniques:
Natural Ventilation:
Description: Encourages the flow of outdoor air through a building to provide cooling.
Implementation: Designing openings such as windows, doors, and vents to capture prevailing winds and promote cross-
ventilation. Ventilation can be enhanced with features like wind towers or atriums.
Night Ventilation:
Description: Utilizes cooler nighttime temperatures to cool the indoor environment.
Implementation: Opening windows and vents during the night to allow cooler outdoor air to enter and flush out warm indoor
air. Thermal mass, such as concrete or adobe, can absorb and store coolness for release during the day.
Shading:
Description: Blocks or reduces the direct sunlight falling on a building.
Implementation: Incorporating overhangs, pergolas, shades, or external shading devices to prevent excessive solar heat gain.
Vegetation, like deciduous trees or vines, can provide natural shading while allowing winter sunlight.
Cool Roofing:
Description: Reflects sunlight and absorbs less heat, reducing rooftop temperatures.
Implementation: Using reflective roofing materials with high solar reflectance and infrared emittance to minimize heat
absorption. Light-colored or reflective roof surfaces can significantly reduce heat gain.
Thermal Mass:
Description: Uses materials with high heat storage capacity to absorb and release heat slowly.
Implementation: Incorporating materials like concrete, stone, or earthen materials inside the building. These materials
absorb heat during the day and release it at night, stabilizing indoor temperatures.
Cooling Ponds and Water Features:
Description: Utilizes evaporative cooling effects from water surfaces.
Implementation: Introducing water features such as ponds, fountains, or reflecting pools. The evaporation of water absorbs
heat, providing a cooling effect to the surrounding environment.
Natural Convection:
Description: Facilitates the movement of warm air upward and cool air downward.
Implementation: Designing spaces with tall ceilings and vents to allow warm air to rise and escape. Cooler air then enters
the lower parts of the space, creating a natural convection cycle.
Earth Sheltering:
Description: Uses the thermal mass of the earth to stabilize indoor temperatures.
Implementation: Building structures partially or fully underground to take advantage of the earth's insulation properties.
This technique is particularly effective in regulating temperatures and reducing the impact of external temperature
fluctuations.
Wind Catchers:
Description: Directs and enhances natural ventilation by capturing and channeling wind.
Implementation: Architectural elements like wind towers or wind catchers are designed to catch prevailing winds and
channel them into buildings, promoting airflow and cooling.
(or)
16.(b).(i).Discuss any two case studies regarding the Solar Passive design of Buildings. (any 2)