Passive Design for Thermal Comfort in Hot Humid Climates

Abstract

Passive design can be referred to a way of designing buildings that takes advantage of the prevailingclimate and natural energy resources, such as daylight, wind and thermal buoyancy, to achieve a comfortableenvironment while minimising energy use and reliance on mechanical systems. This paper reviews a selectionof work on key issues which are inherent to passive design for thermal comfort in hot humid climates,namely the comfort zone, the minimisation of cooling needs and techniques for cooling and dehumidification.Directions for future research are also discussed. The review highlights the need for acquiring genericdesign and control principles, which will help maximise the potential of various passive design techniquesfor providing thermal comfort in hot humid climates, and which will also complement the knowledge alreadygained from case studies and fieldwork carried out in the areas. Furthermore, continuous research anddevelopment, both technical and commercial, are required to develop high-potential passive climate controltechniques to become viable alternatives to mechanical solutions.