Paper 3
Unveiling Energy Saving Techniques for Cooling in Residential
Buildings in Ghana
Samuel
Amos-Abanyie1, Fred O. Akuffo2, Victor Quagrain1
1Department
of Architecture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology,
Kumasi, Ghana
2Dept.
of Mechanical Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Abstract
The gradual shift from the traditional approach of outdoor processes of
habitation in Ghana to the indoor, coupled with an ingress of solar
radiation, liberates excess heat into buildings and makes occupants feel
uncomfortable. A straightforward response has been the adoption of air
conditioners. This has resulted in high peak electricity demand and excess
emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This paper identifies
passive and low energy techniques which can improve the thermal comfort in
buildings for the different climate zones of Ghana, and consequently
reduce electricity demand and environmental effects due to air
conditioning. The potential for various passive and low energy cooling
techniques was determined by plotting climatic data comprising average
monthly temperature and relative humidity over a thirty year period
(1976-2005) for a total of ten towns and cities from the various climatic
zones of Ghana on the Building Bioclimatic chart. This work is aimed at
encouraging innovative and individual design solutions amongst building
design professionals applicable to Ghana and regions elsewhere that are
experiencing a growth in air conditioning. Reducing peak cooling-energy
demand is of great interest to the power generating industries and policy
makers. It is of interest to building investors, since it implies a
possible reduction in the required installed plant capacity. This is also
an essential element in Ghana’s Climate Change Mitigation Program.
Key words: bioclimatic
approach, comfort zone, passive cooling techniques, thermal comfort,
Ghana.
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Contents
Paper
1
Editorial: Summer Comfort and Cooling - an INIVE Workshop
Paper
2
Space Planning, Ventilation and Energy Efficiency in Offices
Paper
3
Unveiling Energy Saving Techniques for Cooling in Residential Buildings in
Ghana
Paper
4
Influence of Induction Box Ports on Near Flow Field Mixing
Paper
5
Prediction of Flowfield and Acoustic Signature of a Split-type Air
Conditioner
Paper
6
The Use of Impulse Ventilation to
Control Pollution in
Underground Car Parks
Paper
7
Estimation of the Wind Speed in Urban Areas – Height less than 10 Metres
Paper
8
Utility of Wind Catchers for Nocturnal Ventilation
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