Passive design indices: quantifying the potential of passive design strategies in a climate

The study focuses on developing indices to assess the potential for passive cooling strategies for a climate. Diverse microclimatic conditions are found within broader climatic regions at the scale of a few kilometres. Currently available climate analysis tools do not explore the interrelationships between different climatic parameters. Earlier work showed that it is possible to develop a weather-data-based classification to map the potential of some basic passive design strategies, such as building orientation. This study takes that approach forward to establish weather-data-based indices for advanced passive design strategies such as evaporative cooling, comfort ventilation, radiant cooling, earth cooling, and night ventilation. Weather data variables are identified for each strategy. Adaptive thermal comfort models represent the indoor comfort conditions. TMY weather data of 59 Indian cities and 2 international cities are analysed to develop the indices. Thermal Autonomy and Discomfort Degree Days are the metrics developed to measure the potential of the passive strategies. These will enable policy makers to develop climate zone maps that highlight the potential for specific low energy solutions in a region.