Work

Experimental study of the influence of thermal mass on thermal comfort and cooling energy demand in residential buildings

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: The article presents the results of experimental research carried out in two real-scale detached energy-efficient single-family buildings designed to be almost identical with exempt to the construction of their external and internal walls; lightweight skeletal versus traditional masonry construction. The reduction of the average indoor temperature during the heatwave of August 2015 obtained by increasing the thermal mass of the building was 2.8 ± 0.34 °C, with the maximum value at the hottest part of the day being 3.4 °C. Replacing the lightweight frame structure of the walls with cellular concrete, in an exceptionally warm August, with an average outside temperature of 22.5 °C, shortened the total time of occurrence of indoor temperature higher than 28 °C from 18.6 days to only 8 h. The cooling effect of building thermal mass remained stable during all 14 days of heat wave with only slight diurnal variations. The total reduction in the cooling energy demand achieved was 67% at 25 °C set point temperature and 75% at set point temperature 26 °C respectively.

Source: Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.116984

Authors: T. Kuczyński, A. Staszczuk

Institution: University of Zielona Góra

Language: English

Topic: Building Energy and Comfort Optimization

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,200