Introduction to control of solar gain and internal temperatures by thermal insulation, proper orientation and eaves

In desert regions, the orientation of buildings, thermal insulation and eaves have an important influence in the inside air temperature. The main objective of the current work is to minimize interior temperatures by these three techniques. This study aims at assessing also the geographic parameter enhancing or damping the role of thermal inertia, providing a variety of results.As result, this work proves that stones play a contradictory role on thermal comfort; it has been found that changing orientations of building is not beneficial in terms of thermal comfort particularly in the hot season in case of a building without insulation. Consequently, the insertion of the eaves is recommended to achieve a better thermal comfort in arid and semi arid regions and the habitation will have to be situated in south flan of a hill to satisfy the two strategies (hot and cold).

► Some passive solar energy techniques have been applied have been applied in a home located in an arid climate.
► The most favorable orientation in Saharan region is the south in order to control solar gain through walls and openings.
► The thermal insulation of the exterior envelope is recommended in hot climates to reduce heat loss or heat gain.
► Eaves can improve indoor temperatures and minimize the direct solar gain.