Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Thermal mass is defined as the ability of materials to absorb, store and release heat. Thermal mass materials, such as masonry act as heat sinks in warm periods and as heat sources during cool periods. Although for centuries, the vast majority of residential buildings have been built using massive wall technologies, information regarding the effects of thermal mass on building performance including thermal comfort, resiliency, durability and energy consumption are not well known and the information is all over spread. While it is generally accepted that buildings in warmer climates benefit most from using more thermally massive constructions, there are conflicting statements on whether it also provides significant benefits in colder climates like Canada. Therefore, additional research is needed to clarify this aspect in cold climates. On this premises, the objectives of this research are: 1) investigate the thermal mass’s effect on building energy performance, thermal comfort, resiliency and durability, 2) improve the state of knowledge on thermal mass effects to reduce energy performance gap, and 3) provide a better characterization of the thermal mass’s physical parameters that could be potentially implemented into future editions of Canadian building energy codes and simulation packages. To reach the objectives of the project, data will be obtained both through modeling and experimental methods. The experimental part of the project will be conducted by using the three huts constructed in the Notre Dame Campus of RRC Polytech. Manitoba Masonry Institute (MMI) with the collaboration of Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC) at RRC Polytech constructed the huts with different building envelope systems. 240 sensors (heat flux, temperature, and moisture sensors) have been installed in the huts. The data has been collecting since June 2020. In this project, student’s involvement is important. For the duration of this project (three years) 12 students from different disciplines of RRC Polytech academic programs will be hired (four students per year). In addition, a Ph.D. student will be hired by Department of Civil Engineering at University of Manitoba.