A good thermal mass refers to a material that excels at absorbing, storing, and releasing heat. Based on the provided information, materials considered to have a good thermal mass are those with a high capacity for this heat exchange process.
In simple terms, thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb, store and release heat. Materials such as concrete, bricks and tiles absorb and store heat. They are therefore said to have high thermal mass.
Understanding High Thermal Mass
Materials with high thermal mass act like thermal batteries. They can absorb heat when the surroundings are warmer (e.g., during the day from sunlight or heating systems) and store it. When the surroundings cool down (e.g., at night or when heating is off), they release this stored heat, helping to stabilize indoor temperatures and reduce the need for heating or cooling.
Materials with Good Thermal Mass
According to the reference, materials known for their high, or "good," thermal mass include:
- Concrete
- Bricks
- Tiles
These materials are effective because of their density and specific heat capacity, allowing them to store a significant amount of thermal energy per unit volume.
Why is Good Thermal Mass Desirable?
Incorporating materials with good thermal mass into building design is a key principle in passive solar heating and cooling strategies. By moderating temperature swings, they can:
- Reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.
- Improve occupant comfort by maintaining more stable indoor temperatures.
- Lower peak heating and cooling loads.
In contrast, materials with low thermal mass, like timber or cloth, do not absorb and store heat effectively, leading to quicker temperature fluctuations within a space.
