Effect of the Switch Temperature on the Summer Performance of Phase Change Materials in Buildings
Publication: Journal of Energy Engineering
Volume 141, Issue 4
Abstract
The effect of phase change material (PCM) integration in buildings is investigated in mild climates for the entirety of the hot season. The incorporation of PCMs in building materials is particularly interesting because it allows for the thermal storage to become a part of the building structure while being completely passive. Simulations in a typical single-family home are carried out, and the effect of incorporating PCMs in different building components is analyzed. Results show an important reduction in cooling energy. No explicit relation was found for a unique PCM optimum switch temperature; however, clearly it is closely related to the local climatic conditions and construction systems rather than indoor temperature. Because the walls and ceiling do not operate at the same temperature, some targeting strategies for selecting PCMs are tested and the best choice is found to be differentiating PCMs with different switch temperature for the walls and the ceiling.
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Published In
Journal of Energy Engineering
Volume 141 • Issue 4 • December 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 29, 2014
Accepted: Sep 2, 2014
Published online: Oct 6, 2014
Discussion open until: Mar 6, 2015
Published in print: Dec 1, 2015
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