Energy Saving in Building with Latent Heat Storage

Abstract

This article presents an experimental analysis of peak load shifting for air conditioning system using PCM (phase change material) in a room. The melting range of the used PCM is from 20 to 25°C. The amount of the PCM is determined according to the cooling load of the room during the peak time. The hourly cooling load is calculated. A low-power fan is used to drive air over the PCM capsules, which are arranged in a chamber above the room. Auxiliary cooling unit is used to freeze the PCM when the night temperature is higher than 18°C. The temperatures of the PCM are measured by 9 thermocouples inserted inside a capsule. The variant degrees of temperature of the air at the inlet, at the middle, and at the outlet of the air-passing chamber as well as at the room are measured during day and night. In addition to that, the climate conditions are measured. As a result, during the peak load shifting time, which is within 2 hours, the decrease of the room temperature is between 7-10 °C by using PCM ceiling system. Consequently, it can be concluded that the PCM system is effective for the peak load shifting.