Ian Marr·May 11, 2020Architect
First of all, a thick concrete slab isn’t a trombe wall nor will it act like one under most conditions.
Next, you’re dealing with concrete, basically a ceramic, so heating or heat dissemination is easier than cooling. Heat radiates in and then radiates back out at roughly the same rate. Take too long and it will radiate out the other side (roughly 1 hour for 6″-12″ of thickness).
So, this version can work where you have warm/hot sunny days and cold nights. But you need to be able to control the sun exposure, and it might get uncomfortably warm in the evenings nearing nightfall as your thermal mass radiates heat.
In theory, this is a great system controlled by deciduous trees and drapes during the course of the seasons. But passive systems, in practice, tend to require a lot of work from the users. Operating windows and landscaping correctly to get the right conditions.
this has become a small niche group for houses and buildings in general when air conditioning systems are so easy and relatively cheap.
Things are moving towards low energy or extreme efficiency systems with good automated control systems. Here in California I’m pretty much waiting for HVAC requirements to get so high that we are looking at sterling engine heat pumps (unless something better comes along). People want strong heat in cold areas and strong cooling in warm areas. And they want it on demand, not slowly adjusting over the course of the day, and definitely without any uncomfortable periods.
Don’t forget that location is important. A Trombe walk could easily provide most of your heating requirements in Miami FL. In Fairbanks AK, not a chance.UpvoteReplyRuben Alaniz·May 11, 2020
I think you hit it on the head. It will be driven by customer demand. We use it here, but more of a luxury build and always has a back up HVAC system to help out during severe weather.
MKDesign 