Parametric and economic analysis of incorporating phase change material (PCM) into exterior walls to reduce energy demand for traditional dwellings in northeast of Sichuan hills, China

Abstract

Determining the impact degrees of PCM thermal parameters on energy demand and economic benefits can provide references for selecting or developing PCM products. Previous studies have mostly explored the impact of a part of PCM thermal parameters on energy demand, while comprehensive analysis containing all thermal parameters is less. Meanwhile, the interactions between thermal parameters are rarely considered in previous analyses. Additionally, most economic evaluations utilized the specific PCM cost price, and thus the application of results is restricted. To overcome these limitations, variation laws between each thermal parameter of PCM and annual energy demand are explored, and the recommended parameter combination of PCM is determined. Then local sensitivity analysis and global sensitivity analysis are conducted to evaluate the effect degree of thermal parameters variation on annual energy demand and economic benefits. Finally, maximum acceptable PCM cost prices are calculated in different target dynamic payback periods and discount rates. Results show: (1) The recommended PCM can save 20.7% of annual energy demand, approximately 8–20% more than present PCM products; (2) the two most sensitivity parameters of annual energy demand are thickness and conductivity of PCM; (3) the two most sensitivity parameters of economic benefits are thickness and density of PCM.