Energy-positive with natural ventilation

22/05/2013

Buildings can be air-conditioned using entirely natural means, without mechanical ventilation systems.

Buildings can be air-conditioned using entirely natural means, without mechanical ventilation systems. This is the claim made by 78-year-old Benjamin Bronsema, who will be awarded his PhD for his thesis on the subject at TU Delft on Thursday 7 June. He wants to create an energy-positive office environment using sun, wind and cascading water. Bronsema is now looking for a building in which to carry out a large-scale trial of his Earth, Wind & Fire concept.

Earth, Wind & Fire

The Earth, Wind & Fire system has three main components: a Ventec roof, a 'climate cascade' and a 'solar chimney'. The Ventec roof uses underpressure and overpressure to draw in fresh air and expel stale air. Air is drawn in via the climate cascade and expelled via a solar chimney.

Together with Peutz, Bronsema constructed a mock-up of the solar chimney

in the form of an eleven-metre-high tower that uses heat from incoming sunlight to warm the ventilated air.

The air flow is created in the 'climate cascade'. This is a structural shaft which is sprayed with water from above that cools or warms the air.

Building sought

Bronsema now wants to carry out integrated tests: 'We have already shown in the laboratory and in theory that the concept works. But obviously, for the 'proof of the pudding', you want to provide proof on a large scale, preferably in a free-standing office building with at least five storeys because the system needs unobstructed sun and wind in order to function properly.'

Better indoor climate

Bronsema emphasises that, apart from the fact that Earth, Wind & Fire can improve the energy efficiency and cost efficiency of buildings, his system can also help to create a better indoor climate. Circulating air through buildings spreads bacteria; air-filtration systems often prove to be a source of infection. 'This system enables nature to inhabit the building through architectonic means. That is much more healthy.'

By Le My

Same Category

Energy saving tips for your winter

04/10/2024

Clean energy brings stable electricity supply to Truong Sa Archipelago 02/11/2022
Energy shifting towards a green economy 07/10/2021
Reduce your energy bills this fall with these tips 28/09/2021
Looking to save on your energy bill? Here are some easy tips 28/09/2021

10 ways to save water at home 26/09/2021

As we face these effects of climate change, conserving water becomes increasingly important. Saving water also means saving money; the average American family spends more than $1,000 on water a year, which can be diminished significantly by addressing the way we use water in our daily lives.
Saving electricity – Practical tips that cut through the noise 26/09/2021

Power is essential for lighting and running appliances at homes and in businesses. With its ever-increasing costs, consumers constantly compare electricity in addition to other practical ways to save electricity.
Energy saving tips for the home – 7 ways to lower your bills 26/09/2021

Worried about soaring gas prices? Our energy saving tips for the home are a great way to lower gas and electricity bills and save precious cash
Quantum chemists conjure recipe to turn gold, silver and copper into vessels of green energy 23/09/2021

Quantum chemists believe gold, silver and copper could help the world take a leap towards green energy after discovering that compounds based on these metal elements and hydrogen are very promising candidates for hydrogen storage.
As heating bills go up, put your energy into keeping costs down 16/09/2021

With wholesale energy prices soaring, millions of householders will face bigger bills next month. But there are ways to save.
5 easy ways to improve energy efficiency 16/09/2021

In addition to navigating a deadly pandemic, improving energy efficiency is likely the top priority for today’s building owners facing costly, mandatory retrofits by 2025.
How to solve the investment puzzle of clean energy transitions in the developing world 19/02/2021

This article looks into three areas where efforts are needed to accelerate investments in clean energy transitions
Viet Nam News Economy Lessons from solar: Rush to invest in wind power plants to get high tariffs could overload grid 09/02/2020

The rush to invest in wind energy to take advantage of the Government's pricing incentives could lead to overloading of the national grid in a repeat of the solar scenario, experts warn.