It requires a system that works with the rhythms of the day, absorbing the surplus of the afternoon and surrendering it to the chill of the night. This guide will walk you through the science, the materials, and the practical steps to implement dynamic thermal mass in your own growing space.
We often hear that adding thermal mass into a well insulated building can help to keep you warm in winter, but it's not quite a simple as you may think.
Thermal Lag The performance of thermal mass also depends on thermal lagthe time it takes for heat to be absorbed and then released. A long thermal lag, often around 12 hours, is ideal for climates where nighttime temperatures are significantly lower than daytime temperatures.
Designing Spaces with Thermal Mass. Adding thermal mass to permaculture design means placing materials and structures wisely. This includes setting buildings to catch the most sun, using earth-sheltered designs, and adding water features.
Because most thermal mass systems must function as a "black body" to achieve their desired dampening effect, they cannot be insulated; they must be designed to emit as much as they absorb.
Researchers have noted thermal mass is most effective if it is used on the interior of the insulation in the building envelope. In addition to saving money on the size of the HVAC system and life cycle heating/cooling, proper use of thermal mass can contribute to reduced insulation costs.
We have an on-going discussion about Thermal Mass Systems that is getting nowhere. Heavy-weight mass walls and floors are easy for all to understand, like concrete, rock, adobe, rammed earth, water, etc.; however the issues we have is with Light-weight mass like some ICFs and CIPs.
Fin Count and Thermal Mass. The number of oil-filled fins impacts heat distribution and stability. More fins (typically 7) increase the surface area and oil volume, allowing for more even, longer-lasting warmth.
