Thermal storage wall
From Swikipedia
Introduction
A thermal storage wall is defined as a south-facing wall that is glazed on the outside. Solar heat strikes the glazing and is absorbed into the wall, which conducts the heat into the room over time. The walls are at least 8 inches thick. Generally, the thicker the wall, the less the indoor temperature fluctuates.
Brief Description
Construction of Thermal Storage Walls
Both thermal storage and heat exchange with the external environment are provided passively by means of thermal storage materials located within the wall structure and vertical conduits formed in the wall structure. The walls are constructed to form parallel vertical siphons to heat or cool interior air by means of cooling or heating exterior air either simultaneously or intermittently depending upon the relative external and building interior temperatures as well as the internal wall temperature.
The masonry blocks are modified configurations of the blocks used for conventional construction and are laid up in basically the same manner with the same patterns as conventional construction. At the top and bottom of the walls, however, specialized blocks are laid to provide ingress and egress for the movement of air vertically through the wall.
In an alternative embodiment, the walls are constructed to form a passive air exchange for the structure. The parallel vertical siphons heat or cool incoming air by means of cooling or heating outgoing air. Thus, in this embodiment air as well as heat are exchanged between the exterior environment and the interior of the structure.
Advantages:
o Thermal storage walls can be used in mild to severe climates. They can be used to passively cool homes.
o They greatly reduce sun drenching, thereby lessening glare and damage to carpets, upholstery, and plants, which can be quite significant in direct gain designs.
o They work best when nighttime heating is the primary goal.
o By installing vents and windows for direct gain they can be modified to contribute to day time heat demand as well.
o They provide mass in a relatively concentrated area, taking up a minimal amount of living space and provide great comfort.
o Thermal storage walls are aesthetically appealing, externally and internally.
Disadvantages:
o Thermal storage walls may add to the cost of construction, mainly by increasing the size of the foundation required to support the additional mass.
o They may reduce daylight and access to views.
o Heat loss can be quite significant at night unless the external surface of the structure is insulated.
References:
Daniel D. Chiras. The Solar House. pp. 13-14
http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/T/AE_thermal_storage_wall.html
