We choose to focus our investigation on the thermal mass located on the south side of the Benner residence. To achieve quality data we placed four hobos in the house. We placed hobos in the following areas: one to monitor the air temperature away from the thermal mass, one to monitor the the air temperature next to the thermal mass, one to monitor the temperature of the thermal mass, and one in the direct sun. We also placed one outside out of the direct sun to get a good daily temperature reading.

Overall data:

When we looked at the overall data we found that the space performed close to what we thought. However we did find out on closer analysis that the second day of monitoring the internal heat exchanger had to come on. Which caused us to question the efficiency of the thermal mass.

Day One:

The outside temperature was a high of 75 (F) and the temperature of the space was about the same. The space stayed above 70 (F) well in to the evening hours showing us that the thermal mass was doing its job.

Day Two:

This day was overcast and colder than the previous day, which led to a lower performance of the thermal mass. We found that on a day such as this the house was required to turn on the secondary heating source. This led us to wonder if there was not a better way to use the thermal mass more efficiently.

Day Three:

This day the air temperature never reached a temperature above 60 degrees and the sky was clear. This demonstrates the efficiency of the thermal mass. The inside air temperature maintained a fairly constant temperature influenced only by the radiation given off by the thermal mass.

Overall Data

Day One

Day Two

Day Three