Abstract
Phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release thermal energy. The energy is stored when the material goes through a solid-to-liquid phase change, and released in the reverse process. Such materials can contribute to the mitigation of overheating in buildings, if their melting and solidification temperatures are in a suitable range. The present contribution entails a computational examination of this potential as relevant to overheating mitigation in typical residential units in the Central European context of Vienna, Austria. Thereby, multiple variations of PCM application (size, thickness, location, and application thickness) under different contextual settings (fenestration and insulation, boundary conditions in terms of weather) were simulated and comparatively evaluated. Results indicate that certain PCM application configurations can significantly influence indoor thermal condition. For instance, PCM elements with larger surface areas displayed a more pronounced effect as compared to bulkier elements with smaller surface areas. Likewise, ceiling-integrated PCM application was found to be more effective that those involving other room surfaces. The results also highlight the importance of rooms ventilation regime if the PCM application potential toward overheating mitigation is to be effectively harvested.
Highlights
The present contribution focuses [1] on application potential of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) as mitigation measure against overheating in Vienna, Austria
The key research question was if a PCM incorporation in a typical Viennese building provides enough latent heat storage to increase thermal comfort and energy efficiency
The information entailed in this Figure reveals both the PCM application influence and the importance of ventilation rates
Summary
The present contribution focuses [1] on application potential of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) as mitigation measure against overheating in Vienna, Austria. The key research question was if a PCM incorporation in a typical Viennese building provides enough latent heat storage to increase thermal comfort and energy efficiency (by rendering active cooling unnecessary). To pursue this question, a simulation-based approach was selected. Macro encapsulation involves the use of large volumes of PCM materials (e.g., in panels of different form). Their larger thickness may lead to incomplete phase-changing processes or sub-cooling phenomena. Building-related potential of PCMs has been explored in a number of previous research efforts (see, for example, Khuair and Farid [6], Lee et al [7], Kenisarin et al [8], Tyagi et al [9], Sharma et al [10], Skovajsa et al [11], Menon [12])
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