In the design of buildings there is a need for extensive and refined dynamic heat conduction calculations through the building envelope as well as the interior partitions. One of the methods used for these calculations is based on z-transfer functions.

This paper reviews the basic concept of the z-transfer function method in conjunction with its application for the dynamic heat conduction calculation through walls and roofs as well as for the relation between room heat gain, cooling load and heat extraction. A short discussion points out the ~ain features as well as the physical significance of the z-transfer function.