June 8, 2024
Samirsinh P. Parmar a, Debi Prasad Mishra b
This paper analyzes different techniques of passive cooling which were used in the medieval Indian stepwell architecture. It reveals that the techniques for passive cooling had evolved since the beginning of the stepwell construction. The indigenous medieval knowledge to achieve passive cooling by controlling various factors like the orientation of step-wells, dimension of the stepwells, architectural elements like pavilions, sun shades, zarokha (projecting bay windows), use of special materials, architectural designs, and provision of providing an opening to sky area was utilized by medieval Indian architects.
The major findings of the present study on passive cooling of stepwells are enumerated below:
- •Passive-cooling strategies such as airflow, window and wall sun-shading systems, natural cross-ventilation, trees, water reservoirs, courtyards, and verandas have shown to be very efficient in preserving indoor thermal comfort.
- •Integration of the evaporative cooling principle with the “stake effect” is found to be an effective method of passive cooling that can result in a reduction of 12–17 °C indoor room temperature.
- •Techniques such as Solar shading of building components can lead to a drop of 6 °C in indoor room temperature.
- •Evaporative cooling can decrease indoor temperatures by 7 °C.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S209526352400075X