Active Solar Systems is volume 6 in a series that surveys advances in solar energy research since the oil shock of the early 1970s. Books in the series document in particular the period 1973 to 1985, which spawned a rich array of federally financed technological programs and developments facilitating the practical use of solar energy. The twenty-two contributions in Active Solar Systems introduce design, analysis, and control methods for active systems and cover advances in the interconnected technologies for water heating, space heating, and space cooling. They show that, with effective marketing and with environmental costs factored into individual consumer decisions, there is strong potential for solar water heating and space heating, and that solar cooling has potential but needs further development to become commercially viable. The details of the materials involved in these technologies are covered in volume 5, Solar Collectors, Energy Storage, and Materials.

This book offers the first comprehensive treatment of every solar-powered thermal system design presently available or being used, with an emphasis on commercial and industrial applications. It discusses the underlying theoretical concepts, the various approaches, and the developmental techniques for each system, and includes an up-to-date list of meteorological data for locations throughout the world. Several examples elucidate the concepts and impart working confidence. Engineers, scientists, and students working in solar energy will all find this book to be a helpful guide in selecting the system most suitable to a specific use or in analyzing a given problem.

Active solar systems for air heating are a straightforward yet effective way of using solar energy for space heating and tempering ventilation air. They offer some unique advantages over solar water systems, can offer improved comfort and fuller use of solar gains than passive solar systems and are a natural fit with mechanically ventilated buildings. They can be economical, with short pay-back periods and can act not only as space heating or ventilation air heating but also for water pre-heating, sunshading, electricity generation (with hybrid photovoltaic systems) and can help induce cooling. This design handbook takes architects and building engineers through the process of designing and selecting an active solar system from the six types presented, optimizing the system using nomograms and curves, and finally dimensioning the components of the system. Tips are offered regarding the construction and how to avoid problems. The book will provide essential design information for all architects, building engineers and other building design professionals and all those concerned to reduce the environmental impact of buildings.

Volume 1 of this two-volume set presents strategies and solutions for sustainable solar housing, offering the reader a solid platform for assessing environmental and economic concerns for housing projects, and offers guidance for implementing the most appropriate course of action in a variety of contexts. Topics include energy, economics, ecology and marketing.

Written in a straightforward, nontechnical style that maintains depth and accuracy, this landmark reference is the first text on building systems for interior designers. From heating and cooling systems, water and waste, electricity, lighting, interior transportation and communication systems, all of the mechanical and electrical systems that interior designers need to know are covered in a clear and accessible way. The technical knowledge and vocabulary presented here allow interior designers to communicate more effectively with architects, engineers, and contractors while collaborating on projects, leading to more accurate solutions for problems related to a broad range of other building considerations with an impact on interior design New to this edition are chapters on structural systems and building components, and how they are integrated with the other systems. Illustrated with over 100 photographs and drawings new to this edition, Building Systems for Interior Designers is sure to be constantly at the fingertips of designers.