thermal mass, definition of

A thermal mass is a material that absorbs heat from a heat source, and then releases it slowly. This can be used to help regulate the heat in a space by increasing the amount of energy required to change its temperature. Concrete and bricks are often employed as thermal masses in a structure.

This is often used as part of a passive solar designed building.

Note: In order for a thermal mass to work it needs to interact with the air in the space, so cannot be covered.

• Ecologically Sustainable Development, what it is and how you can do it
  Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) is defined and explained in detail in this article; and how it helps you to be more green and eco friendly.
• What is R-Value, U-Value and how do they relate to insulation?
  How the R-value of a buildings insulation or home is calculated and the factors that effect the final R value, and how to use it.
• What is a Trombe Wall and how can you use one?
  Trombe Walls can provide free heating, cooling and ventilation. We explain how Trombe Walls work; how to build a Trombe Wall and how such a wall saves money by reducing energy usage.
• The importance of building orientation
  Building orientation to the Sun is important to reduce energy consumption, keeping comfortable and saving money. This article explains how best to get building orientation correct. Through a combination of benefits and opportunities the correct building orientation could save you thousands.
• What is Passive Solar?
  Passive solar building design is explained and how passive solar principals are used to design green homes and buildings, and save you money.
• Green Home Building and Ecology in Australia
  Info and sites that help with building a sustainable and green home in Australia and useful government agencies to be aware of. Also advice on dealing with architects and builders.
• Keeping your home Cool in Summer or Warm in Winter for free!
  How to keep cool or warm in your home by design, either in Summer or Winter, whilst reducing costs to you and the Earth..

• Hebel Wall Systems, what are they..
  CSR Hebel Wall Systems are a class of wall cladding that has some unique properties that makes them useful in certain building situations.
• climate scientists: no consensus
  A post in "The Australian" indicates that the consensus on climate change among climate scientists is a fiction.
• 10:10 - 10 reasons carbon emissions trading does not work
  Carbon emissions trading does not work, we give you 10 solid reasons why it won't.
• resignation from American Physical Society over global warming scam
  Prof Hal Lewis has just resigned from the American Physical Society after 67 years membership in disgust at the corruption around the 'global warming scam'
• carbon trading does not reduce emissions
  Carbon trading will not do a thing to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment; in fact it could end up doing the exact opposite as businesses use it as a way to create profit.
• Passive Solar Design advice
  Passive Solar design can be applied to existing buildings as well as new buildings. We explain some useful techniques and give links to useful resources.
• Sustainable House Day 2010 in Australia
  Sustainable House Day 2010 is on for Sunday 12th September 2010, we look at how this can help you been more sustainable.

Related Tags: architecture, passive solar