Numerical analysis of heat flux passing through an anti-theft door armed by phase change materials.

Abstract

The use of phase change materials (PCMs) in buildings is considered an effective way to reduce building heat flux and cooling input. In this study, a south-facing anti-theft door with PCM layer was simulated in hot summer weather in Rafsanjan city. The main purpose was decreasing the heat flux to buildings due to high temperatures and direct sunlight. Boundary conditions are set for the outside environment using local meteorological data, while indoor temperature is set at a constant degree (25°C). Simulation studies were performed by changing the various materials inside the door and also by changing the type, thickness, and position of PCMs in different parts of the door. It was found that the use of PCMs along with a layer of extruded polystyrene commonly used in anti-theft doors can have up to 50% increased effect in reducing the heat transfer flux over a day compared with the conventional case.