Abstract
Strategies to reduce energy consumption are presently experiencing vigorous development. Phase change materials (PCMs) are novel materials that can reduce indoor temperatures via the change in material phase. Regarding the situation in Taiwan, there is no practical utilization of PCMs in school buildings at present, especially in combination with rooftops. In this paper, we discuss the feasibility and utilization potential of installing PCMs in the rooftops of school buildings. School buildings located in northern and southern Taiwan (Taipei and Kaohsiung) were selected to analyze the energy-saving potential and optimization of indoor thermal comfort by installing PCMs with different properties in rooftops over two time periods, including the air conditioning (AC) and natural ventilation (NV) seasons. Based on the simulation results, the feasible patterns of PCM simultaneity are found to be appropriate for improved indoor comfort and energy saving during the different seasons. Specifically, the efficient phase change temperature (PCT) for different PCM thicknesses is clarified to be 29 °C. The economic thickness of PCM was clarified to be 20 mm for Taipei and Kaohsiung. Through the recommendations proposed in this study, it is expected that the PCMs may be efficiently implemented in school buildings to realize the goal of energy conservation and improve thermal comfort.
Highlights
When considering the heat insulation of buildings, the great amount of heat gain from façades and rooftops cannot be neglected
Different from the previous research, this study aims at suggesting a feasible and economic pattern of Phase change materials (PCMs) for school buildings that can simultaneously fulfill the conditions during the air conditioning (AC) and natural ventilation (NV) seasons to reduce energy consumption and provide a better thermal comfort condition
Owing to the undergoing policy of broadly installing the air-conditioning in school buildings in Taiwan, it is essential to draw up energy-saving strategies that reduce energy consumption but create better indoor comfort
Summary
When considering the heat insulation of buildings, the great amount of heat gain from façades and rooftops cannot be neglected. Previous studies attempted to explore various materials and techniques for improving the heat insulation of building envelopes or structures and discuss opportunities and challenges. Roofs are exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time and thereby significantly influence the energy consumption of a building when controlling the resulting indoor temperature, especially in hot climate areas, such as Taiwan. PCMs are considered to be an innovative technology and an effective method for improving the thermal mass of buildings, owing to the large thermal capacity within a limited temperature range, which is similar to an isothermal energy tank [3]. Incorporating PCMs into roofs can significantly enhance the heat storage ability of a structure and disperse the heat gains from the peak hours of cooling demand, reducing energy consumption and improving indoor thermal comfort
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