Ventilation Systems: Solar Victorian Solar Initiative: Solar Innovation Ideas

HOW IT WORKS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE APPLICATION > Solar chimneys are constructed to The basic features of a solar chimney > Solar chimneys can be integrated into a actively promote ventilation of unwanted include: with open stairwells and atria, heated or stale air by drawing fresh cooler however be aware of potential heat loss > A narrow configuration (like a chimney) air from vents at lower levels. and heating difficulties in winter. with a heat absorbing material on the > The exchange and movement of air inside behind a glazed north-facing front. > Solar chimneys are most effective in cools the building by driving heat to the hotter climates with high cooling load. > A chimney which terminates above the outside. The process by which this roof level. > Sunrooms can also be designed to movement of air occurs is called natural function like solar chimneys. . Natural convection is created > A vent at the top of the chimney that by heating air within the heated air to exhaust without being WHERE DEMONSTRATED chimney. overcome by the prevailing wind. > 60L The Green Building, Carlton, Victoria > The heated air escapes out the top of HOW IT SAVES ENERGY the chimney and is replaced by air from > Provides interior cooling and heating to > Monash Science Centre, Clayton, the outside (through windows or vents complement conventional climate control Victoria elsewhere in the building). systems. > Padua College, Mornington, Victoria HOW IT IS INNOVATIVE > In winter the chimney vents to the > Victoria Barraks, Sydney, NSW outside can be closed and heated air in > Emerging use in Victoria, particularly on the chimney forced (using fans, or other iconic commercial . > Building Research Establishment, Gorston, UK air handling system) into the building for > Can be used as a design feature to heating purposes. enhance facility aesthetics.