Let’s think about the possibility of electrical-grid failure, unaffordable electricity, or AC failure during very hot weather. Ancient ideas and their modern designs may be one solution. Modern wind-catchers, along with wind-powered and solar-powered ventilators can work well in dry climates. Six types of ventilation devices, working by themselves or combined, could make extreme heat bearable if we reduce our expectations a little.
- Wind catchers, also called wind towers, use wind along with air-temperature differences to move air.
- Combined with wind catchers, evaporative cooler media evaporates water that the incoming air absorbs, reducing its air temperature.
- Solar chimneys use solar radiation and air-temperature differences to move air.
- Earth tubes cool outdoor air and delivers it to a building, aided by the wind or a solar chimney.
- Wind-powered exhaust fans create suction to remove hot air.
- Solar-powered exhaust fans create suction to remove hot air.
A guide to low-cost cooling
Information from John Krigger’s new book: Cool Buildings for Hot Weather on sale from Saturn Resource Management or Amazon
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