From Direct Solar Gain to Trombe Wall: An Overview on Past, Present and Future Developments

Abstract

The energy crisis, the risk of interruptions or irregular supplies of conventional energy carriers, and the need to protect the environment stimulate the search for new solutions to improve the heat balance of buildings with the use of solar energy. In this paper, direct and indirect solar gain systems integrated with the building envelope are discussed. In the context of the identified operational problems, the evolution of the classic Trombe wall was shown in the period 1967–2022. Modifications to the windows and Trombe wall proposed in the reviewed works can significantly reduce the risk of an insufficient supply of heat in the winter season. This review also indicates the impact of climate conditions on the decision-making process involved in the selection of the Trombe wall design with respect to energy–effects optimization. The insufficient thermal insulating capacity of Trombe walls has been diagnosed as the reason why they do not enjoy much popularity in cold and moderate climates. As the main directions of development of solar gains systems, the search for solutions that maximize solar gains while ensuring high standards of thermal insulation and the implementation of intelligent technologies were indicated.