The passive solar heating technologies in rural school buildings in cold climates in China

Heating is difficult in rural school because of its cost. These areas, however, are rich in solar energy potential and should look toward passive solar designs. In this study, the indoor temperatures of three different passive solar technologies were examined. Results of calculations were verified by on-site experiments allowing on use of these models to draw further conclusions. In analyzed schools, modes of operation and functional requirements are different and the use of verified model permitted to determine the optimal type of passive solar technology. The passive heating techniques were ranked for different buildings and collected in four classes: most suitable, more suitable, less suitable, and non-suitable.