What are the latest innovations and trends in thermal mass and thermal transmittance in green building?

1 Passive solar design

One of the most common and effective ways to use thermal mass and thermal transmittance in green building is passive solar design. This involves orienting and designing a building to maximize the use of natural sunlight and heat in winter and minimize it in summer. For example, using materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete, brick, or stone, on the south-facing walls and floors can absorb and store heat during the day and release it at night, reducing the need for heating. Similarly, using materials with low thermal transmittance, such as insulation, double-glazed windows, or curtains, can prevent heat loss or gain through the building envelope, improving the thermal performance.

2 Phase change materials

Another emerging trend in thermal mass and thermal transmittance is the use of phase change materials (PCMs). These are substances that can change their physical state, such as from solid to liquid, when they reach a certain temperature. This process absorbs or releases a large amount of heat, which can be used to regulate the indoor temperature of a building. For example, PCMs can be incorporated into wallboards, ceiling tiles, or floor panels, where they can melt when the temperature rises above a certain threshold and solidify when it drops below it, creating a thermal buffer. PCMs can also be used in combination with solar panels or heat pumps to store excess heat or cold for later use.

3 Dynamic insulation

A third innovation in thermal mass and thermal transmittance is dynamic insulation. This is a type of insulation that can adjust its thermal resistance according to the external and internal conditions of a building. For example, dynamic insulation can allow more air to flow through it when the outside temperature is lower than the inside temperature, creating a natural ventilation and cooling effect. Conversely, dynamic insulation can reduce the air flow when the outside temperature is higher than the inside temperature, creating a thermal barrier and reducing heat gain. Dynamic insulation can be achieved by using materials that can change their shape, size, or porosity, such as smart fabrics, membranes, or foams.

4 Thermal bridging

Another trend in thermal mass and thermal transmittance is the reduction of thermal bridging. Thermal bridging occurs when a component of a building, such as a metal stud, a window frame, or a pipe, conducts more heat than the surrounding materials, creating a path for heat loss or gain. Thermal bridging can reduce the overall thermal performance of a building and increase the risk of condensation and mold. To avoid thermal bridging, green builders use techniques such as thermal breaks, continuous insulation, or air barriers, which interrupt or minimize the heat flow through the building elements.

5 Thermal imaging

Thermal imaging is another innovation in thermal mass and thermal transmittance. Thermal imaging technology captures the infrared radiation emitted by objects and displays it as a visual image. Thermal imaging can be used to detect and analyze the thermal performance of a building, such as identifying hot or cold spots, air leaks, moisture problems, or insulation defects. This technology can also be used to monitor and optimize the energy consumption and comfort of a building, such as adjusting the heating or cooling systems, improving the ventilation, or installing renewable energy sources.

6 Thermal comfort

Another trend in thermal mass and thermal transmittance is the focus on thermal comfort. Thermal comfort is the subjective perception of how comfortable a person feels in a given environment, depending on factors such as air temperature, humidity, air movement, clothing, and activity level. Thermal comfort is important for the health, well-being, and productivity of the occupants of a building, as well as for the energy efficiency and sustainability of the building. To achieve thermal comfort, green builders use strategies such as natural ventilation, radiant heating and cooling, adaptive control systems, or biophilic design, which aim to create a pleasant and harmonious indoor climate.