Topic outline

  • Passive Solar Heating Basics

    Credits: 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    The principles of passive solar heating, such as basic types of systems, their description, and the components making up any passive system are presented in this course. Sources of data for heating requirements and available solar radiation throughout the U.S are identified and discussed along with a method for estimating the rate of heat loss from a home. The use of these three inputs in a method for estimating performance of a passive heating system of specified size at a specified location is presented. The data retrieval and calculations are illustrated with numerous examples.

    Topics:

    • Passive Solar Heating Definition
    • Components of a Passive Solar Heating System
    • Basic Passive Solar Heating System Types
    • Direct Gain, Thermal Storage Wall, Attached Sunspace
    • Thermal Storage Roof, Convective Loop
    • Inputs Needed to Estimate Size/Performance of a Passive Solar Heating System
    • Heating requirements (degree days) during the heating season at the site of interest
    • Information on the rate of heat loss from the house
    • Available solar radiation at the site of interest
    • Size and Performance Calculations for a Passive Solar System
    • Choice of the Type(s) of Passive Solar Systems to Use
    • Sizing Solar Storage
    • Controls – Summer Shading of Passive Solar Glazing
    • Construction Details

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: electrical, mechanical, civil, energy, chemical, environmental, construction,and industrial engineers. However, this course could appeal to engineers of other disciplines as well.
    Publication Source: Harlan H. Bengtson, PhD, PE

    Harlan Bengtson PhD, PE

    • Topic 1