ALTERMAN, DARIUSZ1; PAGE, ADRIAN W.2; MOFFIET, TREVOR3; MOGHTADERI, BEHDAD4

1) Dr, The University of Newcastle, Priority Research Centre For Energy, Australia, dariusz.alterman@newcastle.edu.au

2) Professor Emeritus, The University of Newcastle, Priority Research Centre For Energy, Australia, adrian.page@newcastle.edu.au

3) Dr, The University of Newcastle, Priority Research Centre For Energy, NSW, 2308, Australia, trevor.moffiet@newcastle.edu.au

4) Professor, The University of Newcastle, Priority Research Centre For Energy, Australia, behdad.moghtaderi@newcastle.edu.au

This paper describes a novel method for defining the thermal performance of walling systems under dynamic heating and cooling conditions. This is an innovative development as it incorporates the contribution of both thermal resistance and thermal mass in the one parameter. This is of particular importance for masonry construction as it directly reflects contribution of its thermal mass. These are important steady-state parameters, but are inadequate in fully defining the thermal performance under dynamic temperature conditions such as a typical diurnal temperature cycle. The measure is called “the dynamic temperature response“ or “T-value“, and it inherently considers the properties and configuration of the insulation and thermal mass within a wall when exposed to typical temperature fluctuations. The method has been verified experimentally for both laboratory and in-situ conditions using a modified Guarded Hot Box Apparatus and several housing test modules located at the University of Newcastle. The background research is described together with examples of the application of the concept to a range of walling configurations. Due to its inherent thermal mass, the measure directly relates to masonry construction and confirms that the energy required for moderate weather conditions is more efficient if an appropriate combination of both thermal mass and thermal resistance is utilized, especially if passive solar design principles are used.

Keywords: thermal performance, thermal mass, thermal resistance, passive solar design principles, dynamic response