Topic outline

  • Use of Trombe Walls for Passive Heating

    Credits: 1 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Since ancient times, people have used thick walls of adobe or stone to trap the sun's heat during the day and release it slowly and evenly at night to heat their buildings. Today's low-energy buildings often improve on this ancient technique by incorporating a thermal storage and delivery system called a Trombe wall. This 8 page course introduces the student to the basics of Trombe wall construction, and related design principles.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to Trombe Walls
    • Trombe Wall Design and Construction
    • Thermal Storage and Delivery Systems
    • Cross Sectional Detail of a Zion Trombe Wall
    • Energy Performance

    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: mechanical, civil, energy, environmental, and construction engineers. However, this course could appeal to engineers of other disciplines as well.
    Publication Source: US Dept. of Energy

    Donald Parnell, PE
    • Topic 1