Evaluation of shape-stabilization phase change material sheets to improve the heating load reduction based on the indoor application method

Abstract

The effectiveness of the phase change material (PCM) application method was measured in three identical test huts using a shape-stabilized phase-change material (SSPCM) sheet made of paraffin-based PCM. Based on these results, the accuracy was verified by comparing the measured values with the calculated values using each PCM model in EnergyPlus and ExTLA (Excel-based Thermal Load Analysis) software. Annual loads were simulated under various conditions to optimize the efficiency of the SSPCM sheets. A similar reduction in heating load was observed, regardless of the installation area until the capacity of the SSPCM sheet reached a certain value. However, above this value, the efficiency increased or decreased depending on the installation area. This shows that there is an optimum capacity according to the installation area of the PCM. To evaluate the performance of the PCM according to the shape of the building, a target building and climate were selected using the ASHRAE standard (90.1 and 169), and the heating load was simulated under the same conditions. When the volume of the building and the size of the window receiving solar radiation were constant, it was confirmed that the shape of the building did not significantly affect the heating load compared to the installed capacity and area of the PCM. However, depending on the installation area, there was a difference in annual heating loads up to approximately 12%. This study confirmed that there are optimum installation capacities and areas that maximize the efficiencies of PCMs.