Winter-Solar Heating

In researching winter weather, we found that Boston, Milwaukee and Columbus had some similar weather patterns. Solar heating depends largely on site, building and climate. Our three cities and work environments were not the ideal settings for solar heating.
Direct gain is the simplest and most effective form of solar heating. It requires direct solar access. My work never receives any direct sunlight.

Indirect gain allows an element to absorb and store the energy in the building. A trombe wall made of masonry is the most common example. A water wall is actually the most effecient. Since the building I work in is owned by other occupants, I still have no access to any solar energy.

In isolated gain, the space that gets direct sunlight is separated from the rest of the spaces. That air is then circulated throughout the rest of the spaces. Technically, in my office, there is a dead end hallway that potentially could be turned into a small sunspace. I don't think it would be as beneficial as it would be costly.

Combinations of all of these strategies can result in a very effecient heating plan. However, once again, none of these strategies would work in my work conditions.

The last strategy is active solar thermal energy systems. This type generally heats water for domestic use. Traditionally it is in the form of roof ponds. This is the only possibility that could possibly work for my building. Since it is a historic building, there would be a lot of working with the historic commission. The south and west sides of the building would be excellent candidates for all of these strategies. They do need to look into some sunshading though!