ABSTRACT
The aim of this paper is to outline research on the behavior of thermal mass in buildings, and how designers can maximize the benefits of thermal mass to improve energy efficiency and increase thermal comfort. Currently, there is a lack of understanding of the difference between physical mass and useful thermal mass and how to design to make best use of available thermal mass. It is often assumed that more physical mass will automatically lead to thermal performance benefits. This paper reports on thermal modeling that has been carried out to assess the impact of additional mass and to investigate the energy benefits. Detailed computer thermal simulation was carried out to analyze the performance of alternative constructions. The study suggests that additional mass does provide some small benefits during the cooling season but that it can also lead to significant heating season penalties. The detail design of spaces to make mass more accessible may be more important than adding more mass.
