Design of solar radiation and thermal capacity influence on the indoor climate of buildings

The influence of building design on indoor climate is studied using Hoffman and Feldman's Total Thermal Time Constant Method for simulation of the thermal response of a building.Comfort requirements in summer in residential buildings, and the manner in which they can be achieved by appropriate building design in order to improve indoor thermal conditions are discussed.The proper use of insulation and heat capacity properties (represented in this paper by the total thermal time constant of the external elements) and the use of light external colours are very important in eliminating or minimizing the need for air conditioning coolers. The correct design of insulation, and window areas permitting solar radiation penetration, can drastically reduce heating requirements in winter.The incomplete results reported are part of a research in progress on the calibration of ventilation as a source of cooling in summer and of window area (with solar radiation penetration) as a source of heating in winter.