Thermal mass, in the most general sense, is any material that has the capacity to store heat. The following discussion pertains to its functional application in ecologically sustainable building construction. When used correctly, it can significantly reduce the requirement for active heating and cooling systems and the consumption of active solar, renewable energy and especially fossil fuel technologies.
Ideal materials for thermal mass are those materials that have:
Ideal materials for thermal mass are those materials that have:
- High specific heat,
- High density
- Low thermal conductivity.
Such materials are able to slowly store or release (low thermal conductivity), relatively large quantities of heat per unit volume (high volumetric heat capacity) compared to other materials.
Thermal mass should not be confused with insulation. Materials used for insulation typically have much lower thermal conductivity than materials used for thermal mass and generally do not have a high capacity to store heat. They can reduce unwanted heat transfer but are not significant sources of heat in themselves. Often a combination of good insulation and thermal mass is used to achieve an optimum solution.
When correctly incorporated in building construction, it can be a useful method of controlling the flow or storage of heat to maintain thermal comfort.
The historic use of thermal mass in housing has been well established in hot arid climates or warm temperate regions. In cold temperate areas, it must be combined with good passive solar design to be effective. Its use in hot, humid areas is controversial.
Many building contain 'incidental' thermal mass e.g. timber frame, plasterboard and furniture. Specific materials that are used to increase thermal mass include clay brick, mud brick, stabilized or rammed earth, stone, concrete and water.
Related Links:
Contemporary conservatory
Thermal mass should not be confused with insulation. Materials used for insulation typically have much lower thermal conductivity than materials used for thermal mass and generally do not have a high capacity to store heat. They can reduce unwanted heat transfer but are not significant sources of heat in themselves. Often a combination of good insulation and thermal mass is used to achieve an optimum solution.
When correctly incorporated in building construction, it can be a useful method of controlling the flow or storage of heat to maintain thermal comfort.
The historic use of thermal mass in housing has been well established in hot arid climates or warm temperate regions. In cold temperate areas, it must be combined with good passive solar design to be effective. Its use in hot, humid areas is controversial.
Many building contain 'incidental' thermal mass e.g. timber frame, plasterboard and furniture. Specific materials that are used to increase thermal mass include clay brick, mud brick, stabilized or rammed earth, stone, concrete and water.
Related Links:
Contemporary conservatory
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