This paper provides an overview of research related to use of building thermal mass for shifting and reducing peak cooling loads in commercial buildings. The paper presents background on the concept and the problem of optimizing zone temperature setpoints and provides specific results that have been obtained through simulations, controlled laboratory testing, and field studies. The studies have demonstrated significant savings potential for use of building thermal mass in commercial buildings. However, the savings are sensitive to many factors, including utility rates, type of equipment, occupancy schedule, building construction, climate conditions, and control strategy. The paper also attempts to provide an assessment of the state of the art in load control using building thermal mass and to identify the steps necessary to achieve widespread application of appropriate control strategies.
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August 2003
Technical Papers
Load Control Using Building Thermal Mass
James E. Braun
James E. Braun
Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907
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James E. Braun
Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907
Contributed by the Solar Energy Division of THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS for publication in the JOURNAL OF SOLAR ENERGY ENGINEERING. Manuscript received by the ASME Solar Energy Division, December 2002; final revision, March 2003. Associate Editor: A. Reddy.
J. Sol. Energy Eng. Aug 2003, 125(3): 292-301 (10 pages)
Published Online: August 4, 2003
Article history
Received:
December 1, 2002
Revised:
March 1, 2003
Online:
August 4, 2003
Citation
Braun, J. E. (August 4, 2003). "Load Control Using Building Thermal Mass ." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. August 2003; 125(3): 292–301. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1592184
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