A simple dynamic time constant model for both summer overheating and winter heating analysis

As new buildings have high levels of insulation it is important to ensure that solar and other internal gains do not make the interiors too hot in summer. This is well known. But assessing overheating at an early design stage is not so easy. The Thermal Mass Parameter (TMP) in the regulations is based on a 24 h cyclic assessment of the depth of heat storage in a material. This paper examines a simpler method using the whole thermal mass, simple steady state calculations and a time constant that can take into account the heat gains over a number of days, such as in a heat wave, not just over 24 h. This simple dynamic time constant model (SDTCM) would be a more realistic model to assess overheating and performance for Future Homes and Buildings Standards, now under consultation in the UK. The model can equally be applied to assess winter heating and for dynamic simulation to consider control strategies. Practical application This paper describes a simple model that can be used for determining heating sizing in winter and overheating in summer. It relates to assessing the thermal mass via the time constant relating to the dynamic response of the building. This will be useful in initial design and possibly regulation.