A new type of residence (the SEA house) has been proposed. In winter, the house is heated by solar energy. Thermal insulation, heat storage, and air circulation are used to maintain the room temperature at a comfortable level and to reduce the temperature difference between the south side and the north side of the house. In summer, earth tubes are used for the purpose of cooling the proposed house. The thermal performance of the house was simulated by a computer program called PSSP, which can predict room temperature in a multiroom system. It is estimated that in Tokyo, the room temperature can be maintained at less than 28degC (82.4degF) in summer and more than 18degC (64.4degF) during most hours in winter without air conditioning equipment.

KEYWORDS: year 1997, Solar heating, passive, solar energy, room temperature, low energy housing, calculating, Japan, air movement, cooling, summer, winter, thermal comfort, temperature distribution, solar walls, structure heat storage, walls, housing, soil air heat exchangers