Experimental study on phase change heat storage floor coupled with air source heat pump heating system in a classroom

Abstract

In order to study the heat storage and release performance of phase change floor, an experimental platform of phase change heat storage floor (PCHSF) coupled with air source heat pump (ASHP) was designed and built in a classroom of Sichuan University in Chengdu, China. Firstly, the thermal response process of complete melting and solidification of phase change material (PCM) layer was investigated to explore the thermal storage capacity of PCHSF. Meanwhile, different operation schemes were set to the 10 h daytime or 14 h night ASHP operation scheme, and the circulating water flow rate of 0.76 m3/h, 0.96 m3/h and 1.19 m3/h. The changes of indoor temperature, measuring point temperature, PCM temperature and ASHP COP were analyzed and discussed, and the economic analysis and feasibility evaluation of different operation schemes were performed. The results show that the PCHSF can effectively slow down the decrease of indoor temperature and keep the indoor temperature above required temperature of winter radiant heating when the ASHP heating system is closed. And when the heating system is turned on, the change of circulating water flow rate under the night operation scheme has little influence on the room temperature and the normal operation of ASHP. Therefore, the night operation scheme with the appropriate circulating water flow rate can ensure the heat storage effect, effectively reduce the operating cost and achieve the purpose of peak regulation and energy saving.