Passive cooling is a cooling technology that reduces the temperature of an interior space in an energy-efficient way without the use of mechanical devices or active systems such as heat pumps .
How does it work?
Passive cooling mainly relies on natural temperature differences in the environment. For example:
- Ground cooling: Taking advantage of the lower temperature of the earth, water from the ground is circulated in the underfloor heating system. This water cools the interior spaces while not consuming additional energy.
- Thermal conduction and radiation: Building structures, such as walls and roofs, release heat to the environment if appropriate materials and design are used.
What is it used for?
- In residential buildings: Cost-effective and energy-efficient cooling solution during the summer months.
- In commercial and industrial buildings: For cooling large spaces where sustainability and low operating costs are important.
- In green architecture: As part of building energy solutions, for example in combination with thermal insulation and natural ventilation.
Advantages
- Energy-efficient: Does not require active energy consumption, such as electricity, to operate.
- Environmentally friendly: Reduces carbon emissions and the use of fossil energy sources.
- Cost-effective: Low maintenance costs and minimal operating requirements.
More information
- The effectiveness of passive cooling depends on the location of the building, the ground temperature, the architectural design and the insulation techniques used.
- It is often combined with other passive methods, such as shading and natural ventilation, to maximize efficiency.
Important to know!
Passive cooling is sometimes called “free cooling” because the system exploits natural temperature differences and minimizes energy consumption. This technology is ideal for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.