Thermal mass storage and energy saving using underfloor air conditioning.

Describes studies undertaken at an office development. The first study aimed to outline a calculation method to estimate the allowance to be made for heat gains from the building fabric, especially the slab to the supply air in the design of an underfloor air conditioning system. Quantifications had not previously been made of the allowances necessary in the initial calculations as a result of the heat gains. Also gives an overview of the principle of integrating overnight ventilation using fresh air with underfloor air conditioning for so-called 'free' cooling. States that the results demonstrate significant implications for reducing peak sensible cooling loads and electrical energy consumption.