Effect of masonry material and surface absorptivity on critical thermal mass in insulated building walls

Sami A. Al-Sanea, M.F. Zedan and S.N. Al-Hussain

Applied Energy, 2013, vol. 102, issue C, 1063-1070

Abstract: Effects of type of masonry material and surface absorptivity to solar radiation on critical thermal mass thickness in insulated building walls are investigated for a fixed wall nominal thermal resistance (Rn-value). The concepts of “thermal-mass energy-savings potential” (Δ) and “critical thermal mass thickness” (Lmas,cr), developed in a previous study, are utilized to determine the thermal mass thickness required for a desired percentage energy savings. Transmission loads are calculated under the climatic data of Riyadh, assuming steady periodic conditions, by using a previously validated computer model. Effects of masonry materials are investigated by using solid and hollow concrete blocks, while surface absorptivity (λ) influence is studied for λ=0.4 and 0.2. Walls are considered where thermal mass is located on the inside or on the outside relative to insulation layer. Thermal mass thickness is varied between 0 and 50cm while keeping Rn-value constant. The results show that for a given critical thermal mass thickness, higher energy savings potential is obtained with: (i) walls with solid concrete blocks, (ii) walls with lower surface absorptivity, and (iii) walls with inside thermal mass. Charts are developed for Lmas,cr versus Δ under the different conditions for the benefit of building envelope designers.

Keywords: Thermal mass; Energy savings potential; Insulated building walls; Surface absorptivity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.06.016

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