What is a Trombe Wall

A Trombe wall is simply a solid wall built from material which has the ability to absorb a and store a lot of thermal energy. This is also known as a solar mass. A Trombe wall is a thick south-facing wall designed as solar thermal collector to absorb the sun's energy during the day and radiate the heat during the night.

Built with materials that act as a thermal mass, a Trombe wall is combined with insulated glazing, air space and vents. The walls can be made of stone, brick, concrete, metal or water tanks. Heat from sunlight passing through the glass is absorbed by the dark surface of the wall.

An innovative method for heat absorption and storage, Trombe walls are most effective in sun-filled climates such as in the Southwest U.S.

Trombe walls are particularly useful where less window area in a room is needed, and nighttime comfort is a priority such as bedrooms and bathrooms. The concept has been around for many years but was popularized in the 1960's by the French inventor Felix Trombe. They are popular in passive solar designs because they effectively convert sunlight to heat and are also an interesting architectural element.

A typical Trombe wall is 8 to 12 feet in length on the south side of the home. Double glazing is recommended for thermal collecting walls, with spacing between the glazing and the thermal mass of 1-3 inches.

To take advantage of natural convection vents are added at the top and bottom of the Trombe wall. An overhang above the wall can also be added to decrease the exposure in the summer when the sun is high in the sky and heating is not necessary and still allowing for full exposure in the winter when the sun is low.

As the Trombe wall cools gradually during the night, it radiates its stored heat into the space. This heat can also be transferred to the rest of the house with vents or ducts.

The one disadvantage is that they are a solid wall inside which limits daylight and views. Although lowering the efficiency, holes or windows can be designed into the wall to allow light into the room.

Trombe walls can be installed easily by a qualified construction contractor and the required materials are relatively inexpensive.

In addition to having a warm home with an environmentally friendly alternative energy source, homeowners can enjoy reduced heating bills. A Trombe wall is a very efficient method of heating your home.