Re: [GBlist] Passive Solar/Thermal Mass Comparison

[Renewable News Network <rnn@rnn.com>]

On Mon, 26 Mar 2001, Halterman, Jon wrote:

> I was wondering if someone could direct me to a good resource on a
> comparison materials used for thermal mass.  I have heard some discussion on

concrete has a thermal capacity of .21-.24 (?) Btus/degree F./Pound
water has a thermal capacity of 1.00 Btus/degree F./Pound

salt water mixtures have latent heat of melting in the phase changing
ranges, which could be room temperature, but will require more research
and design work on your part - look for a packaged product w/phase
changing material in a pouch or tube, to be installed in a rack or
ceiling tile system.

> this but would be interested in learning which materials have the best
> thermal mass properties and how others compare with them.

you've basically got water and masonry

> Also, it seems that the use of insulation is counter productive in
> conjunction with a thermal mass.  One person has suggested that the use of
> insulation just increases the time lag associated with a thermal mass.  I
> would be interested in any thoughts you have on this.

I'd suggest not trying to store your solar heat gain in a high mass
glazed-over exterior wall -- (where is the site?) -- what do does it do
you there - you're only going to lose it through the front of the
collector area.  Instead, direct the light or move the heat directly to
the point of use or, secondarily, into a storage component, designed to
take and hold heat to be drawn down later.

> Thanks,
> 
> Jonathan Halterman
> Track Record Webification Project
> Compuware Corporation
> (248) 737-7300 x18745
> 
> Do justly, Love mercy, Walk humbly  - Micah 6:8
> 
> 
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______________________________________________________________________
This greenbuilding dialogue is sponsored by REPP/CREST, creator of
Solstice http://www.crest.org, and BuildingGreen, Inc., publisher of
Environmental Building News and GreenSpec http://www.BuildingGreen.com
______________________________________________________________________