Thermal flywheel effect
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The Thermal Flywheel Effect is the propensity of an object to remain at a given temperature. Generally applied to buildings or construction materials. Could be called "Thermal Momentum".
This is different from insulative value, which reflects heat transfer rate. The insulative value of "insulation Materials" might be very good, but due to "Bridging Effect", of aluminum frames, wiring areas, and lumber, there are still heat losses.
The actual building temperature can stay stable much longer if there are massive materials in which energy is released slowly or sank slowly.
Materials, higher to lower "flywheel effect"
- Packed Earth
- Brick
- Water
- Hardwood lumber or timbers
- Softwood & construction lumber
- Steel
- Insulation
- Air
- Aluminum
This is only a general classification, as the quantity (mass) and thermal conductivity, and arrangements of materials all have an effect on this.
See also:
Bibliography:
- Holloway on solar design (http://www.dennisrhollowayarchitect.com/html/SolarDesignb.html)
- evaluating compressed earth block walls (http://www.terra-ram.com/thermal_performance.htm)
- U.S. DOE, Building Technologies, Building Envelope (http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/design/integratedbuilding/buildingenvelope.cfm)
- Principles of Eco Design (http://www.theyellowhouse.info/eco-prin/princip.html)