Study of natural ventilation of houses by a metallic solar wall under tropical climate

Heat removal from habitation was studied by using a metallic solar wall (MSW) at Bangkok. The MSW consists of a glass cover, air gap, black metallic plate and insulator made of microfiber and plywood. It was found that the MSW with 14.5 cm air gap and 2 m(2) of surface area (H x W: 2 x I m) produced the highest air mass flow rate of about 0.01-0.02 kg s(-1). Room temperature during tests was near to ambient air, ensuring human comfort resulting from the ventilation produced by the MSW. Comparison between simulated and experimental results showed a good accord, therefore the numerical model is valid. Thus, it can be used to evaluate the long-term reduction of heat transfer into the habitation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.