Assessment of CO2 emissions associated with HVAC system in buildings equipped with phase change materials

Abstract

In this study, the effect of PCM on reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the building associated with heating ventilation and air conditioning sector (HVAC) was investigated. Studies showed that a thickness of 8 cm of Polystyrene insulation is optimal for buildings in Riyadh. Therefore, in three cases, five different PCM types were added to the walls. In the first and second cases, the insulation thickness was 8 and 4 cm, respectively, and in the third case, the insulation was completely removed. The effect of PCM was assessed by evaluating the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. PCM25HC was selected as the best candidate to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by recording 61.3%, 60.1%, and 65% in all cases. The presence of insulation with PCM reduced carbon dioxide emissions associated with the HVAC section. The effect of PCM reached its maximum in the third case, where there was no insulation. In the third case, for PCM18HC, PCM21HC, PCM24HC, PCM25HC, PCM26 and PCM28HC, as much as 13780, 22734, 23737, 24963, 16310 and 13780 kg, less CO2 was released.