PASSIVE HEATING SYSTEM DESIGN FOR RESIDENTIAL HOUSES IN PETROPOLIS' METROPOLITAN AREA

The paper's purpose was to analyze the climatic characteristics of Petropolis' city, which is located at 809,5 meters above sea level in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The region presents a tropical humid weather, which includes a rigorous winter, and most city residents do not have houses prepared to face these conditions during winter times. Therefore, the paper's intention was to investigate passive heating and cooling systems more appropriated to improve comfort and energy savings in this building's typology. This article considers alternatives for higher thermal comfort inside the house by implementing solar energy, reducing energy expenditure and the addition of building materials, Trombe Walls and other ways that might offer thermal equilibrium and less heat loss. Thus, it was necessary to analyze its climate and passive heating systems that would perform appropriately in this type of weather, selecting the most suitable ones. The methodology is a case study of residential houses located in Petropolis city employing simulation. The results pointed out the comfort conditions related to each construction options studied. An important benefit of the approach is building design energy efficiency aimed at improving building performance and stimulating the design of sustainable houses. Incorporating passive system is an idea that can change owners' lifestyle, establishing a more economical and comfortable building design's solutions.