Optimization of Winter Solar Energy Availability for Residential Buildings in Severe Cold Zone of China

Abstract

In northern China, over 25% energy is consumed for heating of buildings. There are many factors that have impact on the amount of solar energy that reaches surfaces of buildings, among which form and layout of buildings should be the most considerable. Consequently, the study on how to maximize the solar energy potential for residential buildings heating within severe cold zone of China was carried out in this paper. The field test was conducted in Harbin which is a typical city located in severe cold climate region of China. The results demonstrate that, with different index of form and layout, the solar radiation on the envelopes of buildings would vary greatly. Under the optimum conditions of form and layout, 11.6% improvement in the total amount of winter solar radiation for the specific target buildings in this paper was obtained. This will be a valuable contribution on saving of traditional energy and reduction of greenhouse gases.