Abstract
The integration of phase change materials (PCMs) in the construction sector is very promising for the improvement of the thermal and energy performance of buildings. This multi-variable study aims to reveal the contribution of PCM plaster according to the type of masonry (single cement bricks or double clay bricks), the type of plaster (PCM or cement plaster) and its location (interior or exterior) to reduce indoor temperature fluctuations and energy consumption levels. Small-scale experimentation and dwelling dynamic modelling of several types of rooms have revealed that compared to cement plaster, PCM plaster on the interior surface of exposed walls reduces the indoor temperature fluctuation range by up to 2.5°C on winter days and by up to 2.6°C on summer days if it is applied on the exterior surface of the single-partition walls. In the case of double-partition walls, the reduction in the indoor temperature fluctuation range reaches 1°C on winter days and 1.3°C on summer days. Interior PCM plaster reduces the heating energy demand in winter by up to 25% for single partitions and 21% for double partitions. In summer, the reduction in cooling energy demand with exterior PCM plaster is up to 36% for single walls and 44% for double walls. Compared to cement plaster, although the thermal and energy reduction percentages of PCM plaster are greater for single-partition walls, the temperature fluctuations and energy consumption are lower for double-partition walls. Determination of the optimum melting temperature and thickness of PCM plaster would improve the performance obtained.
Highlights
Satisfying the population energy demand is a goal that every country wants to achieve because it is the key to ensure technological advancement and economic development [1]
Interior phase change materials (PCMs) does not reduce the heating energy demand for rooms 1, 4 and 5, which is in line with what has been observed on its impact on temperature fluctuations, namely, the contribution of PCM plaster applied to the exposed external surfaces of the rooms is beneficial as it allows a reduction in the cooling energy demand for all the rooms
In winter, the PCM coating is more beneficial on the interior surface of the single- and double-partitions walls: it reduces the indoor temperature fluctuation range from 0.7◦C to 2.5◦C for the single partition and from 0.2◦C to 1◦C for the double partition
Summary
Satisfying the population energy demand is a goal that every country wants to achieve because it is the key to ensure technological advancement and economic development [1]. Omari et al [17] studied the thermal behaviour of a micro-PCM composite material dispersed in an insulating polymer matrix subjected to cyclic harmonic thermal excitation by varying the panel thickness and PCM percentage They concluded that the reduction in temperature fluctuations achieved in summer required an optimal choice of the PCM thickness and percentage, melting temperature and thermal properties of the matrix, considering the climatic conditions and thermal loads to avoid a poor winter result. Kuznik et al [25] experimented on a full-scale test room with a wallboard composed of 60% micro-encapsulated PCM, of which the melting temperature was 22◦C They concluded that 5-mm PCM wall panels improved the thermal inertia of the building room. The subject is addressed in the context of a temperate Mediterranean climate where the outside temperatures are neither very high in summer nor very low in winter
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