Linear Heat Transmission (thermal bridges, ground losses)

and
Thermal capacity
Csaba Szikra senior research fellow
TUB Faculty of Architecture
Department of Building Energetics and Services
szikra@egt.bme.hu
2010

Thermal Bridges
introduction

A thermal bridge is a component, or assembly of components, in a

building envelope through which heat is transferred at a
substantially higher rate than through the surrounding envelope
area, also temperature is substantially different from surrounding
envelop area.
Thermal bridges are junctions where insulation is not continuous and
causes heat loss. The main problem for fitters, thermal bridges
have an impact on the loss percentage if the house is well
insulated.
A thermal bridge occurs when there is a gap between materials and
structural surfaces. The main thermal bridges in a building are
found at the junctions of facings and floors, facings and cross
walls; facings and roofs, facings and low floors. They also occur
each time there is a hole (doors, windows, loggias). These are
structural thermal bridges. These thermal bridges vary in
importance according to the type of wall or roof (insulated or
not).
In a building that is not properly insulated, thermal bridges represent
low comparative losses (usually below 20%) as total losses via the
walls and roof are very high (about >1W/m2K).
However, when the walls and roof are very well insulated, the
percentage of loss due to thermal bridges becomes high (more
than 30%) but general losses are very low (less than 0.3 W/m2K).
That is why in low energy consuming buildings, it is important to have
very high thermal resistances for walls and roofs to have low heat
losses via the junctions.
A wall or floor almost always consists of several components pasted,
screwed or mechanically assembled together. If they are not well
designed, these assembly systems can produced thermal bridges
2
within the system, hence their name of integrated thermal bridges.

Self-scale temperature
definition

t x te
x =
ti t e
x ' x
t x = te + x (ti te )

Self scale (unit less) temperature is for

generalizing critical temperature data
(tx) from ambient temperatures (ti, te)
Critical surface temperatures are given
on self-scale. The zero point of the selfscale is the outdoor temperature, the
unit is the difference between the
indoor and outdoor air temperature.
Thus, in point x the temperature
measured on self-scale

Properties of self scale temperature:

-1O O1
Use of self scale:
Estimation of the internal surface
temperature by change of
external one.
Critical temperature (tx) as a function
of self scale
3

Application of self-scale temperature

example 1
Based on measurements in a given construction internal temperature is ti= 20
C, the external temperature is te=-10 C. At that temperature different the
measured internal surface temperature is tx=18 C. Without considering
thermal behavior (conduction, convection), by using self-scale estimate
the internal surface temperature at te = -15C external temperature!
Data:
tx= 20 C, te=-10 C
tx=18 C
te=-15C.
tx =?
Solution:
By using self-scale definition, following equation can be developed:

t x te 18 (10)
=
= 0,93
ti te 20 (10)

Let us assume that even if external temperature changes self scale remains
constant:
= = 0,93
Thus for tx self scale definition can be applied:

t x ' te ' t x ' (15)

=
= 0,93
ti te ' 20 (15)

Only unknown is tx thus:

t x ' = (ti te ' ) + te ' = 0,93 35 15) = 17,67C 4

Application of self scale temperature

example 2 surface temperature of a wall
By using self scale internal surface temperature
equation can be developed easily. Based on
equality of rate of heat flow two equation can be
written:

ti

hi

tiw

q& = U (ti te ) = hi (ti tiw )

q&

After reordering the equation:

(ti tiw ) = U
(ti te ) hi

U
te

Lets define self scale temperature as the internal

temperature different divided by the overall
temperature different:

(ti tiw )
(ti te )

Thus

U
hi

Note that: in a particular case when U, hi are known

self scale temperature is constant, independent from
any temperatures.
5

Apparent thickness
definition
Most of the temperature change (which is a driving force of heat transmission) takes place in the boundary layer. A thin
layer of an air is adjacent to the surface. The layer of the building material has certain thickness (b). The thickness of the
boundary layer is bi and be which is called apparent thickness. Overall apparent thickness can be defined by adding
the apparent sicknesses to actual one. The physical meaning of overall apparent thickness is the area where heat
transmission takes place:

b' = bi' + b + be'

ti
tiw

hi

1
U=
1 b 1
+ +
hi k he
k
tew

bi' =

k
hi

b
be' =

he

be' =

te

k
he

k
U

Boundary
layer

1 1 b 1
= + +
U hi k he
k k
k
= + b + = b'
U hi
he
Unit of the apparent thickness is meter (m). From the above equation it
is clear that apparent thickness depends on the rate of conduction
and convection. So apart from dimensional meaning it quantifies
the heat conductions from ant to the surfaces and conduction in
the material.
6

Temperature distribution of a wall corner

Generalized isotherms

y
b'

2 b' = 2

k
U

b' =

x
b'

k
U

A massive wall corner case can be generalized by

applying a previously introduced apparent thickness
and (b) and self-scale temperature. Self scale defined
as = (ti t ) where t represents a general
(ti t e ) temperature.
Let us introduce a 2 dimensional coordinate system where
the vertical axes is y/b and horizontal axes is x/b unit
less dimensions. Note that in this case the dimensions
also cover thermal properties conduction an
convection!
In this coordinate system general self-scale isotherms (
red lines)can be drawn. In this coordinate those selfscale isotherms generally covers any positive and
negative wall corner cases.
In a case of positive wall corner critical (lowest)
temperature occurs right at the corner (c)
Based on the enclosed figure it is clear that out of 2b
area there is no effect on isotherms by wall corner
geometry. Thus concerning thermal bridge effect 2b
area is considered. Within the considered area so called
from factor is defined: form factors represents the
additional heat loss because of thermal bridge effect.
For wall corner form factor is FF=1.18
Green lines represents heat flow lines on the enclosed
figure. A number of lines per each directions represent
heat rate through the building element

Temperature distribution of a wall corner

Critical temperature

C =

(ti tC )
(ti te )

U
hi

Often only a critical temperature is important. That is

because concerning surface condensation the lowest
temperature is considered during the calculation. From
the previous self-scale isotherms graph another graph
can be developed. Let us defined a self scale for the
temperature of a wall corner (critical temperature):
(t t )
C = i C
(ti t e )
That is the horizontal axes. The vertical axes is the overall
heat transfer coefficient (U) divided by the internal
surface convection coefficient (hi). Note that: this
fraction represents the ratio of overall heat and surface
heat transmission. This fraction also does not have unit.
In this coordinate system general corner temperature
graph can be drown, which is valid for any massive and
multilayer walls (continuous red line).
As it is seen in the Application of self scale temperature
example 2 page self-scale surface temperature for a
mass wall is also a fraction of U/hi thus the surface
temperature of a wall is a 45 degree straight line in the
C - U/hi coordinate system (red dot line).
The temperature of the corner at any given temperature
overall differences is:

tC = ti C (ti te )
Similar graphs can be developed for any other cases, like
8
T junction, window perimeter etc.

Temperature distribution of a wall corner

Example: Estimation of a corner temperature

C =

(ti tC )
(ti te )

0.54
0.36

U
hi

0.135 0.238
A
20
10
0,5
0,3
25
-10

B
20
5
0,5
0,3
25
-10

1,35
0,135
0,36

1,19
0,238
0,54

tc (C)

9,2

3,8

tiw (C)

15,9

12,9

ti (C)
2

hi (W/m K)
k (W/mK)
b (m)
2

he (W/m K)
te (C)
2

U (W/m K)
U/hi (-)
Teta (-)

Estimate the wall corner and the internal wall temperature by

using an enclosed self-scale diagram for a corner and
planar section of a wall (A). Internal temperature is 20C,
external temperature is -10C, internal surface convection
coefficient is 10W/(m2K), external surface convection
coefficient is 24W/(m2K), conduction coefficient of a
massive wall is 0.5W/(mK), thickness of the wall is 30cm.
Repeat the calculation if internal surface convection due
do to blocking effect at the corner is reduced to 5
W/(m2K)(B)
Input data:
hi = 10;
ti = 20;
he = 25;
te = -10;
k=0.5;
b=30 ;
Solution:
1
1
A: U = 1 b 1 = 1 0.30 1 = 1.35 U = 1.35 = 0.135
+ +
+
+
hi
10
hi k he 10 0.5 25
From the graph: C (U/hi)= 0.36 thus by reordering the selfscale equation for tC,tiw:

tC = ti C (ti te ) = 20 0.36 30 = 9.2C

tiw = ti U hi (ti te ) = 20 0.135 30 = 15.9C

B: U =

1
1
=
= 1.19
1 b 1 1 0.30 1
+ +
+
+
hi k he 5 0.5 25

U 1.19
=
= 0.238
hi
5

From the graph: C (U/hi)= 0.54 thus for tC ,tiw:

tC = ti C (ti te ) = 20 0.54 30 = 3.8C

tiw = ti U hi (ti te ) = 20 0.238 30 = 12.9C

Thermal Bridges

Definition and Classification of thermal bridges

Multidimensional steady state heat
flow: thermal bridges
In real building elements the criteria
of the one dimensional heat flow
are often not fulfilled.
Everywhere when the border differs
from the plan parallel planes, two
or threedimensional heat flows
develop. These special parts are
called thermal bridges.

They are the consequences of
the:

geometric form,
the combination of materials of
different conductivities
or both.

10

Point Loss

Modification of conduction coefficient in thermal points

The steal metal beam which piercing

through the insulation modifies its
conduction coefficient
Assumption:

Used model:

Equation of area weighted average

Other examples:

kins (1 + ) Ains + steal Asteal

kr =
Ains + Asteal

There is no heat transfer

perpendicular to the metal beam

Reinforced nerves (i.e.: attic)

Insulation in between timber
construction (i.e.: rafter)
Perpendicular reinforcement in
balcony
Etc.

11

Vzellts - Csatornzs

Point loss

Example: Calculation of equivalent conduction coefficient

Modify U-value for thermal points
A sandwich panel includes an 80mm expanded polystyrene slab between two
reinforced concrete layers. In 1m2 elevation area there are 4 steel ties 16mm
diameter, penetrating the polystyrene. Calculate the U-value including the effect
of the thermal points(A). Calculate the U-value without thermal point (B).
Data (thickness and conduction coefficient)
1 Reinforced concrete 0,15m; 1,55W/mK
2 Expanded Polystyrene 0,08m; 0,04W/mK
3 Reinforced concrete 0,10m; 1,55 W/mK
Surface convection coefficients : hi=8W/m2K, he=25 W/m2K ,
Ri=1/8=0,125m2K/W, Re=1/25=0,04m2K/W,
Conduction coefficient for steel: 58 W/mK
The inbuilt coefficient for polystyrene in between reinforced concrete: =0,42
kd=k0*(1+)=0,04*(1+0,42)=0,0568
Asteel
D 2
m2
2
k polystyrene ( A Asteel ) + k steel Asteel
0

A
=
4
=
0
,
016
=
0
,
0008
2
steel
kr =
A
4
m
A
W
k r = k d polystyrene + k steel Asteel = 0,0568 + 58 0,0008 = 0,1032 2
m K
A:
Ur =

1
b polystyrene

1 breinc.conc.
1
+
+
+
hi k re inf .conc.
kr
he
B:
1
U=
1 bre inf .conr . b polystyrene 1
+
+
+
hi k re inf .conr . k polystyrene he

1
W
= 1.102 2
1 0 .3
0.08
1
m K
+
+
+
8 1.55 0.1032 25
W
1
=
= 0.587 2
1 0.3 0.08
1
m K
+
+
+
8 1.55 0.568 25

12

Timber frame as a thermal point

Example: Estimation of an equivalent U-value

glass
wool
timber
frame

plywood
covering

Example:
Estimate an overall heat transfer coefficient of an enclosed timber
construction. Conduction coefficient of a plywood covering is 0.12W/mK,
timber frame is 0.18W/mK, glass wool insulation is 0.04W/mK. Internal ans
external surface convection coefficient is 8W/m2K and 25 8W/m2K.
Result:

kr =
Ur =

kglass (W/mK)
ktimber (W/mK)
kplyw. (W/mK)
Aglass
Atimber
hi (W/m2K)
he (W/m2K)
bplyw.(m)
bglassw.(m)
kres
Ur (W/m2K)

0,04
0,18
0,12
90
30
8
25
0,02
0,06
0,075
0,88

k glassw Aglassw. + ktimber Atimber

Aglassw. + Atimber
1
1 b plyw. bglassw. 1
+
+
+
hi k plyw.
kr
he

0.04 90 + 0.18 30
W
= 0.075
90 + 30
mK

1
1 0.02 0.06
1
+
+
+
8 0.12 0.075 25

= 0.88

W
m2 K

13

Thermal Bridges

Linear Heat Loss Coefficient

To simplify the calculation of the extra heat losses due to the thermal bridge effect,
the concept of linear heat loss coefficient was implemented. This refers to the extra
heat losses along a unit length of a thermal bridge, at a unit temperature difference
and in a unit time. It is measured in W/mK, where l is the length of the edge (corner,
joint, column, window perimeter).

Q = l (ti te )

Q = QLayOrd + Q j = AwallU LayOrd (ti te ) + l j j (ti te )

j

l
j

U e = +U LayOrd +

Note that the extra heat losses due to the thermal bridge effect are in general
14
20~50% of the losses calculated on one dimensional basis.

Linear Heat Loss Coefficient

typical values

0.15

0.00!

Window perimeter

0.10

0.30

0.15

0.06

0.15

0.03

0.15

0.03

0.03
0.30

Joint of homogeneous external wall

and internal wall

Joint of homogeneous external wall

and floor slab with insulated strip

0.06

0.15

0.03

0.25

0.25
0.50

0.25

Outer comer of homogeneous wall

0.15!

Balconies

0.50
0.25

15

Linear Heat Loss Coefficient

typical values

Description
W/mK
Window perimeter
0.15
Window perimeter if the frame is in the plane of the thermal insulation
0.00
Outer corner of homogeneous wall 0.10
Outer comer of wall with external insulation
0.15
External wall with internal insulation 0.00
Joint of homogeneous external wall and internal wall (both edges counted) 0.12
Joint of external wall with external insulation and internal wall (both edges counted)
0.06
Joint of homogeneous external wall and floor slab with insulated strip (booth edges counted)
Joint of external wall with external insulation and floor slab (both edges counted)
0.06
Parapet wall, cornice
0.20
Balconies 0.30

0.15

16

Thermal Bridges

Calculation of equivalent U-value

Calculate the equivalent U-value of the enclosed wall
section including additional heat loss due to thermal
bridges. The wall is at one of the intermediate floors. It has a
wall corner, partition wall, and balcony. The wall is insulated
and its U-value without thermal bridges is 0,65W/m2K. Linear
losses are insulated corner (=0.15W/mK), insulated T
(=0.03W/mK) window perimeter (=0.15W/mK), joint of
wall and floor slab: (=0.03W/mK), balcony (=0.25W/mK)
(A). Calculate the total heat loss of a wall at 1C
temperature difference if the U-value of the window is
3.0W/m2K (B).

0.03

0.03

0.25

0.03

0.15

0.15

0.03

0.03

Total surface: A=52.65=13.25m2

0.25

Window surface: Aw=20.75 1.5+1.5 2.4m=2.25+3.6=5.85m2

Surface of the brick wall: Awa=A-Aw=13.25-5.85=7.4m2

0.15

l = 0.15 (3 +1.5+1.5+2 0.75+2 0.9) =1.395W/K window

0.03

0.15

0.15

0.15 2.65

=0.398W/K corner

0.25 (3+3)

=1.500W/K balcony

0.03 (2+2)

=0.120W/K ring beam

0.03 2.65

=0.080W/K partition

Sum:

=3.493W/K

Ue=Uwa+ l /Awa=0.65 + 3.493/7.4=1.122W/m2K

Lie= UA+l =UwaAwa+ UwAw+ l=0.657.4+3

5.85+3.493=25.853W/K

17

Wall corner simulation result

without and with 5cm external XPS insulation

Layer order: 30cm brick; 1,5cm gypsum plaster

kB30= 0.64 W/mK
kplaster= 0.34 W/mK

= 0.15 W/mK
tC (te=-2C)= 10.7C
tiw(te=-2C)= 14.2C
Heat loss of one meter : 62.4w/m

Layer order: 5cm XPS inst.; 30cm brick; 1,5cm

gypsum plaster
kxps= 0.054 W/mK
kB30= 0.64 W/mK
kplaster= 0.34 W/mK
= 0.19 W/mK
tC (te=-2C)= 14.8C
tiw (te=-2C)= 17.3C
Heat loss of one meter : 30.5w/m

18

Wall corner simulation result

Comparison of internal and external insulation

Layer order: 5cm XPS inst.; 30cm brick; 1,5cm

gypsum plaster
kxps= 0.054 W/mK
kB30= 0.64 W/mK
kplaster= 0.34 W/mK
= 0.19 W/mK
tC (te=-2C)= 14.8C
tiw (te=-2C)= 17.3C
Heat loss of one meter : 30.5w/m

Layer order: 1,5cm plaster; 30cm brick; 5cm XPS inst.

kxps= 0.054 W/mK
kB30= 0.64 W/mK
kplaster= 0.34 W/mK

= 0.05 W/mK
tC (te=-2C)= 10.7C
tis (te=-2C)= 14.2C
Heat loss of one meter : 30.5w/m

19

Linear Heat Loss Coefficient for wall corner

Example: Estimation of an equivalent U-value

Example: Consider a corner of a 30cm brick wall. Internal surface

convection coefficient is 8w/m2K, internal temperature is 20C, external
surface convection coefficient is 25W/m2K, external temperature is -2C.
Conduction coefficient of a brick is 0.78W/mK. According to the
simulation result of 1.3x1.3x1.0m model, total heat loss is 85.1W/m.
Calculate a linear heat loss coefficient for a wall corner (A). Repeat the
calculation with 5cm external insulation (ki=0.56W/mK)
A:
Because geometrically a corner is symmetrical UAB = UCD thus
U AB = U CD =

5cm

30cm

100cm

ti (C)
2

hi (W/m K)
k (W/mK)
b (m)
2

he (W/m K)
te (C)
Ql (W/m)
Lka (m)
Lkc (m)
kins (W/mk)
bins (m)
2

U (W/m K)
Lie (W/mK)
psi-i

A
20
8
0,78
0,3
25
-2
85,1
1
1
-

B
20
8
0,78
0,3
25
-2
35,9
1
1
0,056
0,05

1,82
3,87
0,23

0,69
1,63
0,25

1
1
W
=
= 1.82 2
1 b 1 1 0 .3
1
m K
+ +
+
+
hi k he 8 0.78 25

Coupling coefficient is the total heat loss of a model at 1K temperature

different thus:
Ql
W
85.1
Lie =

ti t e

22

= 3.87

mK

Linear loss is the additional loss due to thermal bridge effect, thus from the
total heat loss the flat losses is deducted (geometrically it is assumed
that the model is 1m to z direction ):
i = Lie U AB lKA U CD lKC = 3.87 1.85 (1 + 1) = 0.23

B:
U-value of the externally insulated wall:
U AB = U CD =

W
mK

W
1
1
=
= 0.69 2
1 b 1 1 0.3 0.056 1
m K
+ +
+
+
+
hi k he 8 0.78 0.05 25

Linear heat loss coefficient is:

i = Lie U AB l KA U CD l KC =

Ql
W
35.9
U AB l KA U CD l KC =
0.69 2 = 0.25 20
ti te
mK
22

Thermal Bridges

Reinforced concrete floor slab(25cm), Porotherm NF30

=0.90 W/mK

21

Thermal Bridges

Reinforced concrete floor slab(25cm), Porotherm NF30

5cm exp. pol. Insulation at the face of the

reinforced concrete slab.

=0.47 W/mK ((-0)/0=47%)

22

Thermal Bridges

Reinforced concrete floor slab(25cm), Porotherm NF30

5cm exp. pol. Insulation at the face of the

reinforced concrete slab. =0.47 W/mK

5cm floor insulation. (=0.45)

5cm Dryvite external insulation. (=0.18)

23

Place of the window frame (P. NF30)

24

Place of the window frame (P. NF30)

25

Place of the window frame (P. NF30)

26

Ground losses

Heat flow paths to the ground

Ground and footing losses are
calculated with linear heat transfer
coefficients, too, along the perimeter of
the building

ground

The total heat loss of a floor is a grand

and floor loss + thermal bridge loss

27

Ground losses

Heat flow paths to the ground

Floor

Elevation
different relative
to the external
ground level
z (m)

Thermal resistence of floor (considere area 1,5m

from the external wall)

Non 0,20- 0,40- 0,60- 0,80- 1,05insulat -0,35 -0,55 -0,75 -1,00 -1,50
ed

1,55-2,00

-6,00
-6,00...-4,05

0,00
0,20

0,00
0,20

0,00
0,15

0,00
0,15

0,00
0,15

0,00
0,15

0,00
0,15

-4,00...-2,55

0,40

0,40

0,35

0,35

0,35

0,35

0,30

-2,50...-1,85

0,60

0,55

0,55

0,50

0,50

0,50

0,45

-1,80...-1,25

0,80

0,70

0,70

0,65

0,60

0,60

0,55

-1,20...-0,75

1,00

0,90

0,85

0,80

0,75

0,70

0,65

-0,70...-0,45

1,20

1,05

1,00

0,95

0,90

0,80

0,75

-0,40...-0,25

1,40

1,20

1,10

1,05

1,00

0,90

0,80

-0,20...+0,20

1,75

1,45

1,35

1,25

1,15

1,05

0,95

0,25....0,40

2,10

1,70

1,55

1,45

1,30

1,20

1,05

0,45....1,00

2,35

1,90

1,70

1,55

1,45

1,30

1,15

1,05....1,50

2,55

2,05

1,85

1,70

1,55

1,40

1,25

28

Ground losses

Heat flow paths to the ground

Elevation
relative to
the
ground
level [m]
6,00
- 6,005,05
- 5,004,05
- 4,053,05
- 3,002,05
- 2,001,55
-1,501,05
- 1,000,75
- 0,700,45
- 0,400,25
0,25 -

Linear heat loss coefficient of a wall by the ground

0,30
0,39

0,40
0,49

0,50...
0,64

0,65
0,79

0,80
0,99

1,00
1,19

1,20
1,49

1,50
1,79

1,80
2,20

1,20

1,40

1,65

1,85

2,05

2,25

2,45

2,65

2,80

1,10

1,30

1,50

1,70

1,90

2,05

2,25

2,45

2,65

0,95

1,15

1,35

1,50

1,65

1,90

2,05

2,25

2,45

0,85

1,00

1,15

1,30

1,45

1,65

1,85

2,00

2,20

0,70

0,85

1,00

1,15

1,30

1,45

1,65

1,80

2,00

0,55

0,70

0,85

1,00

1,15

1,30

1,45

1,65

1,80

0,45

0,60

0,70

0,85

1,00

1,10

1,25

1,40

1,55

0,35

0,45

0,55

0,65

0,75

0,90

1,00

1,15

1,30

0,30

0,35

0,40

0,50

0,60

0,65

0,80

0,90

1,05

0,15

0,20

0,30

0,35

0,40

0,50

0,55

0,65

0,74

0,10

0,10

0,15

0,20

0,25

0,30

0,35

0,45

0,45

29

Ground losses

Heat flow paths to the ground example 1

30

Ground losses

Heat flow paths to the ground example 2

31

Vzellts - Csatornzs

Heat Storage capacity

Temperature Distribution and a place of the insulation

A valsgban idben vltoz folyamatok szempontjbl fontos, hogy

a szerkezet mennyi ht trol - ez nagyban fgg a rtegsorrendtl !
32

Heat Storage capacity

Definition of a Thermal mass

The change of the stored heat is proportionate to the change of the temperature,
the mass and the specific heat:

Q& = m c t
thus a body of bigger mass and/or higher specific heat accumulates or releases the
given amount of energy with less temperature change:

Q&
t =
mc

Specific heat of the majority of building materials: c = 0,85-0,95 kJ/kgK

(this is why only the mass is mentioned).
An important exception is the wood, its specific heat is 1,7-3,0 kJ/kgK.
The mass of the building elements around a room is considerable.
In general the partitions have more important role, partly due to the big mass of floor
slabs, partly due to the fact, that they absorb and release energy on both surfaces
from and to the adjacent rooms.
33

Heat Storage capacity

Effective thickness according to the EU directive

Independently the place of the insulation, for external wall

10cm thickness is considered.
For internal partition 10-10cm thickness is to be considered
from both sides
If the thickness of the partition is less than 20cm thickness
over 2 is considered from both sides

The concept of the "active

thermal
mass"
has
been
implemented
in
order
to
simplify the design process. The
concept of "mass" is considered
more expressive than that of
the effusivity, thermal capacity
or other accurate physical
quantities. When calculating
the active thermal mass, the
depth of the penetration of the
heat flow, i.e. the thickness,
where
considerable
temperature
swings
are
accompanied with charging
and discharging of heat, is to
be determined. This thickness
depends on the period: the
longer the period is, the thicker
the layer is. If no comment is
given, the diurnal period (24
hours) is considered. The depth
of
penetration
can
be
calculated in an accurate way.
However in the practice simple
rules of thumb are used.

34

Heat Storage capacity

Calculation of a heat storage capacity (conventional)
The conventional effective thermal mass (m) of a component is defined
from its thermal capacity (C), and its area (A), by assuming a conventional
specific heat (c0),

C
m= A
c0
where

C = i d i ci
The value of the conventional specific heat is c0~KJ/(kgK).
Note, that in many cases major part of the heat storage capacity of
massive walls and floors is inactive, due to the limited depth of penetration.

35

Heat Storage capacity

Calculation of a heat storage capacity (classical way)
According to another convention the active depth is measured in thermal
resistance. For a 24 h period the active depth is

R = 0.15 m 2 K / W
Deeper layer(s) are not active if the period is 24 hour. The heat storage
capacity of any heavy floor slab can be "cut away" from the room if
carpets, suspended ceilings are applied.
In many cases major part of the heat storage capacity of massive walls and
floors is inactive, due to the limited depth of heat flow penetration.
According to the previous rule the thickness of the active zone is

d i = ki R = ki 0.15
Where ki is the conduction coefficient of a building material. The specific
thermal mass for 1 sq.m. building element is:

mi = d i i

36

Heat Storage capacity

Thermal mass of a room
Thermal mass of a room is the sum of the specific thermal mass of the
elements around the room, each multiplied by the area of the element.

M room = M i = mi Ai

37