However, it is expensive to install, operate and maintain, and has a high economic and environmental cost because it consumes significant amounts of electricity unless high efficiency equipment is used in a very high performance building envelope.
It cools people by increasing evaporation and requires both breeze capture and fans for back-up in still conditions. Roof space Well-ventilated roof spaces and other non-habitable spaces play a critical role in passive cooling by providing a buffer zone between internal and external spaces in the most difficult area to shade, the roof.
By performing early-stage thermal simulations, designers can predict the airflow, temperature distribution, and heat transfer in systems. Different members of a household have different thermal comfort thresholds. In a lightweight building in a warm temperate climate, the installation of fans in bedrooms and all living areas including kitchens and undercover outdoor areas significantly reduces cooling energy use.
Manual of tropical housing and building — Part 1 climatic design.
Residential passive solar design. City of Thuringowa Planning Scheme policies: Climate responsive design of housing; Climate responsive design exemplars.