Experimental analysis of thermal energy storage by phase change material system for cooling and heating applications

Abstract

International Energy Agency Solar Heating & Cooling programme states the fact that space heating and cooling demand account for over 75% of the energy consumed in single and multi-family homes. By avoiding conventional methods for thermal storage, phase change materials (PCMs) provide heat storage and provide nearly constant temperature and at much higher energy storage densities. This technology can meet up to maximum of this demand depending on the region’s climate. Active and passive systems are used for this purpose. This study belongs to passive system, night ambient temperatures and solar energy for cooling and heating of buildings. PCMs could be stored with building substance used in floor to enhance their thermal storage capacity. Compare to other principles for thermal energy storage latent heat storage is competent because of small changes in temperature leads to storage density, promising technologies with low heat losses and attractive prices. This research is carried out to assess the performance of air based PCM storage system for cooling and heating of building. The execution of the concentrated on Phase change material storage system was noted maximum when melting point of Phase change material was 22.5°C in winter season and 28.8°C(∼29°C) during summer period. Summer, whereas 26.8°C was found during remaining part of the year. When the temperature goes below 26.8°C, cooling capacity of system is more as compare to heating capacity. Study also concludes that the effect of melting point of PCM has a great effect on cooling in summer period and its storage can be used in winter season.