2.1.3 Radiation
- Daily Solar Radiation and Natural Lighting
As it has been said in the Irkutsk architecture is very characteristic to have a high number of windows, and also bigger than in the rest of Russia. The idea is to take advantage of the sun light. But if the proper windows are not use, the result can be to have great heat losses. To avoid losses double or triple glazed windows must be chosen, also with a special coating in the right pane that allows the heat to enter but no to abandon the building. Apart of air other gases can be used to increase the performance such as argon. Of course a correct orientation in order to maximize the solar heat gains. As being in the North Hemisphere this means avoid the north orientations, especially for rooms oriented to spend a lot of time living in them (bedrooms, living rooms). And finally and looking a bit deeper in the thermal bridges aforementioned it is important to choose the correct material for the window frames. Big window-to-wall ratio can also reduce the illuminating electrical load of the building, allowing the use of more natural lighting.
Historically, the usual materials for them have been wood or iron, for security reasons. Those are not exactly the best thermal performance materials. Reason why aluminum frames with thermal breaks such as polyamide are more suitable.
2.1.4 ASHRAE guidelines
ASHRAE “Cold-Climate Buildings Design Guide” provides information on how to design durable and comfortable buildings in this climate:
- The colder the climate, the more important it is for critical equipment to be sheltered – you can’t expect service personnel to properly repair HVAC equipment in a winter blizzard.
- In extreme climates, windblown snow takes on a consistency similar to sand and requires special design techniques to keep it from getting into HVAC intakes.
- A building envelope must address all modes of heat loss to be truly efficient; ignoring any mode of loss may lead to excessive thermal transfer.
- Design out cold bridges in both building fabric and engineering penetrations.
- Avoid or minimize any external service pipe runs.
- Provide safe access to roof mechanical plants in all weathers – frozen roof surfaces can be a hazard.
- Locate air inlets and exhausts in locations that avoid snow drift and blockage.