Modern development in many Third World countries in the
hot regions of the world,, have been accompanied by the
construction of highly energy-wasteful buildings. The
interiors of these buildings have to be mechanically airconditioned
in order to achieve thermal-comfort conditions.
The consequence of this, has been the rapid increase in
electricity-generating plant capacity to match demand (of
which, for example at present in Oman, more than 70%
nationally is used for air-conditioning modern, energyinefficient
buildings).
The aim of this work was to find the most suitable way
of stabilising or even reducing the electricity demand in a
country like Oman. The first step taken to achieve this aim,
was to study and draw out lessons from the vernacular
architecture of the different climatic regions in Oman. This
has been followed by a literature survey that looks at
passive and active natural cooling techniques for buildings
in hot climates. Mathematical models were then developed to
analyze and compare those passive techniques that are most
suitable for an environment like that of Oman. Different ways
of reducing the heat gain through the roof were investigated
and compared. These include the addition of insulation,
shading, air-cooling of the roof when the ambient air
temperature is lower than that of the roof, and roof ponds.
Roof ponds were found to be the most effective of those
techniques analyzed. An improved design of the roof pond (the
Water Diode roof pond) that eliminates the need for covering
the roof pond during the day and uncovering it at night, was
suggested and analyzed. The analysis showed promising
results. Mathematical models were also developed to analyze and
compare dif f erent ways of reducing the heat gain through the
walls. These included the use of closed cavities, naturally
ventilated cavities, the addition of insulation, and the
effect of using brick as compared to concrete block. The
analysis suggested that the combination of a Water Diode roof
pond and insulated brick wall construction will reduce the
heat gain through the envelope of a single room by more than
90%, when compared to a room with un-insulated roof and
single-leaf concrete block walls.
An empirical validation of the mathematical models was
conducted. The results showed a good agreement between the
actual and predicted values. An economical analysis of the
commonly used roof and wall constructions in Oman, was also
conducted. This compared the life-cycle cost of nine
different construction techniques, with eight different airconditioning
schedules. The result of this analysis showed a
clear advantage of using roof insulation, reflective double
glazing, and insulated walls with brick outer-leaf and
concrete block inner-leaf
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