Variables Affecting Passive Solar Heating
Experiment #23 from Renewable Energy with Vernier
- Education Level
- High School
![](https://turbo.vernier.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/lab.REV-23-variables_affecting_passive_solar_heating.png)
Introduction
Buildings can be designed to retain heat in the winter while also helping them to remain cool in the summer. Insulation and heat storage are important factors in such a system. A thermal mass, a material that absorbs and stores heat, is one example of a design feature that can be used to help control the temperature in a building.
In this experiment, you will examine the effectiveness of different design features. Two model homes, one that will act as a control and one that you modify, will be heated by a light bulb. Temperature sensors will monitor their temperatures throughout a simulated day and night.
Objectives
- Use Surface Temperature Sensors to measure temperature.
- Design, build, and test a model solar home.
- Compare your results to the data collected by other groups.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment features the following sensors and equipment. Additional equipment may be required.
Option 2
![](https://turbo.vernier.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/product.sts-bta._hero.001-scaled.jpg)
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Purchase the Lab Book
This experiment is #23 of Renewable Energy with Vernier. The experiment in the book includes student instructions as well as instructor information for set up, helpful hints, and sample graphs and data.