THE ROLE OF THERMAL MASS ON THE COOLING LOAD OF BUILDINGS - AN OVERVIEW OF COMPUTATIONAL METHODS

Thermal mass can reduce peak cooling loads and indoor air temperature swings in buildings. The factors affecting the performance of thermal mass are reviewed and classified. Experimental studies which demonstra te the effectiveness of thermal mass as an energy conservation alterna tive and in providing more comfortable indoor conditions, are also rev iewed. A number of simplified design tools for calculating the cooling load and indoor air temperatures of a building, which also account fo r thermal mass effects, have been identified and are classified. The m odels are categorized in terms of their inputs, outputs and restrictio ns on their level of accuracy in treating thermal mass effects, type o f loads or other design limitations.