Abstract
To understand the influence of PCM wall configurations on the thermal performance of building envelopes, an explicit finite element model of heat transfer from indoor to outdoor (or vice versa) is developed. The accuracy of this model is first validated against the electrical circuit analogy model, and then compared with the experimental data measured in a Hot-Box device. A good agreement between the simulation results and experimental results is obtained. The results of this study show that the PCM configuration layer sequence significantly will affect the thermal performance of building envelopes and that the FEM model developed is a promising tool, which after some more development may be used for optimising PCM wall configurations.
Highlights
To maintain a good thermal indoor climate, an effective and efficient energy storage and release system is desired. This system is of particular importance in areas of large diurnal variation in outdoor temperature and solar radiation, since it can decrease the supplied energy demand for heating and cooling, and improve the indoor thermal comfort
The conclusion from this is that, the phase change materials (PCMs) layer should be put nearest to the temperature variation side in order to increase its heat exchange and storage ability
For configuration III-b with a 2 cm XPS layer on the inside of the PCM, the temperature of the PCM only reached a maximal temperature of about 30°C and the succeeding characteristic temperature increase was not observed
Summary
To maintain a good (if not optimal) thermal indoor climate, an effective and efficient energy storage and release system is desired This system is of particular importance in areas of large diurnal variation in outdoor temperature and solar radiation, since it can decrease the supplied energy demand for heating and cooling, and improve the indoor thermal comfort (i.e. small indoor temperature fluctuation). A variety of strategies for enhancing the thermal performance (i.e. energy storage and release) in building component and/or envelopes has been presented Heavy materials such as, soil [6], concrete [7], brick, stones [8], can be used to build thick walls, so that the envelopes can supply sufficient thermal storage capacity, and moderate the indoor temperature oscillations and further improve the level of thermal comfort. This strategy has turned out to be quite effective, but it is contrary to the design trend [5] of modern buildings using glass walls as well as structures with lower mass and thermal storage capacity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
