11 Facts About Thermal mass

In building design, thermal mass is a property of the mass of a building which enables it to store heat, providing "inertia" against temperature fluctuations.

Thermal mass is effective in improving building comfort in any place that experiences these types of daily temperature fluctuations—both in winter as well as in summer.

The use of materials with thermal mass is most advantageous where there is a big difference in outdoor temperatures from day to night.

Correct use and application of thermal mass is dependent on the prevailing climate in a district.

Thermal mass is ideally placed within the building and situated where it still can be exposed to low-angle winter sunlight but insulated from heat loss.

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In summer the same thermal mass should be obscured from higher-angle summer sunlight in order to prevent overheating of the structure.

Thermal mass is warmed passively by the sun or additionally by internal heating systems during the day.

Thermal energy stored in the mass is then released back into the interior during the night.

Since the most important source of thermal energy is the Sun, the ratio of glazing to thermal mass is an important factor to consider.

Thermal mass is ideally placed within a building where it is shielded from direct solar gain but exposed to the building occupants.

Use of thermal mass is the most challenging in this environment where night temperatures remain elevated.