Ground-coupled cooling in hot, arid regions

Based on results from a computer simulation, the impact of ground-coupling on the cooling loads of desert buildings is evaluated. The thermal effects of variation in several parameters were assessed and a ground-coupling design with minimal loads was derived. A detailed comparison of the ground-coupling design with a similar high-mass well-insulated surface building was then made using results of monthly heat balance computations. Results of the parametric studies indicated that the building's annual performance is sensitive to the amount and orientation of fenestration, to the soil depth around the building, and to the amount and location of insulation. The above-grade and ground-coupled cases are compared.