The Natural Cooling Systems An Approach For Improving The Thermal Performance Of Buildings In North Africa

Abstract

Contemporary architecture in North Africa affected by international trends as "New Mode" which is no longer environmental architecture. As a result, cement and glass were used to execute the new forms and due to the use of those materials in such a hot climate arouse the need to have certain means and systems of air-conditioning.

When the energy crisis of the 1970s aroused, interest in the use of natural renewable energies as substitutes for conventional fuels in buildings. This interest was directed to the use of solar energy for heating (especially in USA and European countries). This led to the development of "active" solar heating systems. In time the focus in solar space heating shifted to passive systems, but still the emphasis was on heating. Only in about 1978 did more worldwide interest arise and systematic research start in passive cooling systems.

There seem to be several reasons for the recent emerging interest in passive cooling systems. The first is obviously the rising cost of electricity, especially during peak demand time. Peak demand is often caused by the increased use of air-conditioning in hot summer days. Another reason, which has focused interest on passive cooling that is the global interest in reducing the emission of"greenhouse gases", suspected of causing global warming. Reducing power generation by lowering the demand for air­ conditioning can be helpful also in this respect.