The Use of PCMs and PV Solar Panels in Higher Education Buildings towards Energy Savings and Decarbonization: A Case Study

Abstract

Buildings are one the largest energy-consuming sectors in the world, and it is crucial to find solutions to reduce their energy consumption. One way to evaluate these solutions is using building simulation software, which provides a comprehensive perspective. In this article, using DesignBuilder software (v 6.1), the effect of using phase-change materials (PCMs) on the external walls and ceiling of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Shahid Beheshti University (Tehran, Iran) has been investigated. The methodology involves the use of a layer of PCMs for three locations: (1) on the walls; (2) on the ceiling; and (3) on both the walls and ceiling, with/without PV panels, which leads to seven scenarios (alongside the reference one). The result shows that using PCMs has a greater impact on the heating load than the cooling one and is more effective on ceilings than walls. For the simultaneous use of PCMs in the ceilings and walls, the heating and cooling loads, in comparison with the initial condition of the building, are reduced by 24%, and 12%, respectively. When using solar panels, the heating load increases by 12.6%, and the cooling load decreases by 8.6%, whereas the total energy consumption of the building is fairly constant when using both PV panels and PCMs. In these last conditions, the primary evaluated values shifted significantly. Notably, CO2 emissions saw a nearly 50% reduction, making the simultaneous use of PV panels and PCMs on both walls and ceilings the best performance option.