Trombe wall

Solar collector with double glazing on a wall that faces south; it is used to distribute heat in a room.

air gap

Space between the wall and the glazing in which air flows; as air heats up on contact with the wall, it rises naturally in this space.

concrete wall

Masonry structure that is about 15 in thick; it has a black surface to absorb heat from the Sun to heat the air.

cold air

Fresh air enters the home at the base of the air gap and is heated on contact with the wall.

absorbing surface

Black wall that catches solar radiation and converts it into heat.

double glazing

Each of two glass plates placed in front of the concrete wall; they allow solar radiation to penetrate and retain the heat.

warm air

Air heated by solar radiation is introduced into the room by convection.

shutter

Flap gate used to control the entry of heat into the home.

solar radiation

All the electromagnetic waves emitted by the Sun.