authors: Prof. Fisica Tecnica Ambientale Costanzo di Perna, eng. Serena Summa, Dott. Eng. Giada Remia 

An experimental mock-up was constructed to evaluate the influence of thermal mass on summer thermal comfort. The study focused on two test boxes located in Ancona, identical in geometry and building envelope except for their south-facing walls. These walls featured different build-ups: one characterized by high surface mass (massive structure) and the other by low surface mass (lightweight structure). Given that the assessment of thermal inertia is crucial during the summer, due to high levels of solar radiation, a one-week period in July 
(from 18 to 24 July) was analyzed.

The results indicate that the massive structure performs better than the lightweight structure, maintaining lower temperatures. Specifically, the air temperature in the lightweight test box was, on average, 2,46°C higher during the evaluation period, with a peak difference of 4,66°C..

This experiment demonstrates that a structure with high thermal inertia can ensure lower indoor temperatures during the summer, thereby improving thermal comfort. Numerical methods need also to be refined to accurately predict structural thermal behavior regarding indoor hygrothermal comfort. Future work will involve analyzing data collected during the winter months to provide results for the cold season as well.

READ THE ARTICLE