Large climate-moderating envelopes for enclosed structures: A preliminary evaluation of energy-conservation potential

One method of reducing the energy consumption of one or more buildings is to isolate the buildings within a large envelope. The envelope moderates the effects of Sun, wind and precipitation and provides a more benign climate for habitation, commerce and, in some climates, agricultural activities. Results of a preliminary study of the qualitative energy conservation benefits are given for a large climate moderating envelope (LCME). The effects of weather, fluid circulation and radiant transport within the envelope and energy storage in the mass beneath the LCME are included. Based on model studies for selected days, the annual energy savings for summer dominated climates was estimated to be approximately 70%. The energy savings for a winter dominated climate LCME were estimated to be somewhat smaller, approximately 40%.