Which cooling method is primarily based on the principles of conduction and convection?

The correct answer is based on the principles of conduction and convection, which are key mechanisms for transferring heat. Passive cooling relies primarily on these two principles to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

In passive cooling, architectural design and strategic placement of materials are utilized to enhance natural airflow and manage heat gain and loss. For instance, heat from the building can be dissipated into the surrounding environment through conduction, as well as by the movement of air (convection). This method often employs the use of thermal mass, natural ventilation, and shading to improve comfort without relying on mechanical systems.

Evaporative cooling, as suggested in the selected answer, relies more on the process of water evaporation to cool the air, which is distinct from conduction and convection. Thermal radiation and active cooling methods utilize separate principles, such as mechanical systems or active heat removal. Understanding these principles highlights why passive cooling is fundamentally oriented around conduction and convection.