Thermally Active Surfaces: Physiology and Thermodynamics

This research focuses on thermally active surfaces and structures. In this transformation of energy and building practices, the hydronic thermal conditioning of a building is decoupled from the ventilation system, using the mass of the building itself as the primary thermal system. This approach reinvests the fabric of the building itself with a more a poignant role: the structure is the primary mechanical system. The basic physiological and thermodynamic principles of this approach are presented in this paper, followed by an example of these principles in practice.