Proceedings of The 2nd International Conference on Applied Research in Engineering Science and Technology
Year: 2019
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.33422/2nd.arset.2019.09.535
The Benefits of Lower Thermal Mass Over Higher Thermal Mass Constructions in Sub-Mediterranean Climates
Aiman Albatayneh , Mohammad Assaf and Mustafa Jaradat
ABSTRACT:
Many researches examine the overall energy saving methods for buildings as well as other various researches focus on energy simulations using passive energy saving measures. However, there is a shortage of such studies regarding the Sub-Mediterraneanian climate and built environment. Furthermore, this research focus on the climatic conditions, fenestration, and envelope design of buildings in Sub-Mediterranean in an attempt to enhance the comfort conditions. In addition, the research will help to better understand the interactive relationship between the building’s construction material and the surrounding environment. Climate is one of the most important factors that affect both urban planning and architectural design. Energy consumption of a building is strongly related to the climatic surrounding it which has a major effect on its thermal performance. This research contains a design for passive building design, taking into account building thermal performance. The simulation was carried out using the software Revit 2018.Final results shows that the Trombe wall has the highest resistance (R-value) with minimal thickness, thus decreasing the heat loss between both the inside and outside surroundings, the energy costs were the least and the energy saving compared with brick walls around 6%. For the ceiling materials the lightweight concrete roof construction has showed a better insulation than the other types by decreasing the amount of energy cost and consumption by 4.2%. Overall the lower thermal mass walls and roofs proof to perform better due to the large amount of heat stored in summer months and substantial amount of energy needed to heat it in winter months.
Keywords: thermal mass, thermal comfort, built environment, building envelope.