Impact of a Composite Trombe Wall Incorporating Phase Change Materials on the Thermal Behavior of an Individual House with Low Energy Consumption

As the heating demands of buildings drop considerably, the use of solar walls makes increasing sense. One of the obstacles to the development of such walls is their need for on-site implementation by specialized companies. On the other hand, a storage wall is generally composed of heavy materials with high inertia, which prevents prefabrication of the solar component. To avoid this problem and allow for solar walls to be prefabricated in the factory, a novel approach to replacing this heavy wall with a lighter storage wall incorporating phase change materials (PCM) has been proposed. This paper aims to demonstrate the impact of PCM on the thermal energy performance once they have been integrated into the storage wall of the composite Trombe wall. Addressed herein will be the heat transfer exchange inside a house located in the northern part of France, where a composite Trombe wall has been fitted without PCM. Three configurations will be investigated—(1) the model house without the solar Trombe wall, defined as the reference configuration; (2) the model house integrating the concrete solar Trombe wall; and (3) the model house integrating the PCM solar Trombe wall. Two setpoint temperatures will be introduced—(a) a constant setpoint of 20 °C, and (b) a variable setpoint of 19 °C (14 h from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and 16 °C (10 h from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). Furthermore, three different climate conditions will be adopted to run simulations—Paris-Orly, Lyon, and Nice. Dymola/Modelica, a dynamic thermal simulation tool, will be utilized to simulate the thermal performance of these defined configurations. The results obtained, regarding a solar Trombe wall installation that applies two distinct storage walls exposed to the weather of Paris, showed similar minimizations of the one-year energy heating demand inside the bedroom, equal to roughly 20% (i.e., 20.45% of concrete storage wall and 19.90% of PCM storage wall) compared to the reference configuration (i.e., the house with no solar Trombe wall). Based on the imposed setpoint temperature by means of night and day reductions, the resulting heating energy demand in the bedroom, through application of the two storage walls (concrete and PCM) and three different climatic regions could be minimized by 20.34% in Paris, 20.20% in Lyon, and 68.10% in Nice (for the concrete storage wall) vs. the reference configuration; and by 18.79% in Paris, 19.56% in Lyon, and 55.15% in Nice (for the PCM storage wall) vs. the reference configuration.

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Multiscale Modelling Approach Targeting Optimisation of PCM into Constructive Solutions for Overheating Mitigation in Buildings

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10228009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (22) ◽

pp. 8009

Author(s):

António Figueiredo ◽

Romeu Vicente ◽

Rui Oliveira ◽

Fernanda Rodrigues ◽

António Samagaio

Keyword(s):

Phase Change ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Phase Change Materials ◽

Supply And Demand ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Simulation Software ◽

Rate Reduction ◽

Melting Temperatures ◽

Detached House ◽

Global Energy Supply

Nowadays, the rising gap between the global energy supply and demand is a well-known circumstance in society. Exploring the solution to invert this tendency leads to several different scenarios of energy demand saving strategies that can be improved using phase change materials (PCM), especially in cold-formed steel-framed buildings. The present research reports the overheating (indoor air temperature above 26 °C expressed as an annualized percentage rate) reduction in south-oriented compartments and energy performance of a detached house located in the Aveiro region, in Portugal. An optimisation study was performed incorporating different phase change materials (PCMs) solutions and their position in the exterior envelope focusing overheating rate reduction and heating demand. The optimisations were managed by using a hybrid evolutionary algorithm coupled with EnergyPlus® simulation software. The overheating risk was reduced by up to 24% in the cooling season, for the case of the building compartments with south orientation. Thus, the use of construction solutions using PCMs with different melting temperatures revealed to be a good strategy to maximise PCM efficiency as a passive solution.

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The impact of thermal mass on cold and hot climate zones of Portugal

Indoor and Built Environment ◽

10.1177/1420326x16635237 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 733-743 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jorge S. Carlos

Keyword(s):

Heat Capacity ◽

Thermal Resistance ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Dynamic Modelling ◽

Internal Heat ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Thermal Mass ◽

Steady State Condition ◽

Climate Conditions ◽

The Impact

The aim of this paper is focused on the energy performance of buildings containing massive wall alternatives. The analysis comprised the comparison of the heating and cooling loads of seven characteristic wall configurations of one sample building with different dynamic internal heat capacity (ISO 13790:2008) in spite of the equal thermal resistance. The equal thermal resistance, as derived from simple steady-state condition, was imposed in order to allow research of effects solely attributed to the wall heat capacity on the building performance. A detached one floor dwelling exposed to different climate conditions in Portugal was analysed to illustrate the effect of the same wall in terms of energy demand during cold and hot weather conditions. A whole building dynamic modelling using EnergyPlus was employed for the energy analysis. The best thermal performance was obtained with massive walls that were located at the inner side, for a very heavy weight building and high building time constant.

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Phase Change Materials Technologies Review and Future Application in Lebanon: Part II

Key Engineering Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.886.256 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 886 ◽

pp. 256-270

Author(s):

Salam Eid ◽

Marwan Brouche ◽

Chawki Lahoud ◽

Christy Lahoud

Keyword(s):

Phase Change ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Phase Change Materials ◽

Future Application ◽

Power Sector ◽

Integration Methods ◽

Climate Conditions ◽

Different Types ◽

Future Challenges ◽

National Power

In Lebanon, the demand for energy is constantly increasing. A tremendous increase of 83% in energy demand was recorded between 2009 and 2019. The national electricity company (EDL) is unable to supply electricity needs. These needs are covered by expansive and polluting backup generators. Furthermore, according to the World Bank (2016), the national power sector share was 57.8% of total CO2 emissions in 2015, and 25.2% among them came from private diesel generators. The building sector and related activities is responsible of a large part of energy consumption. Thus, phase change materials with different ways of building integration are used as a solution. In this paper, a representation of different types and building integration methods of PCM is conducted. This paper review will present the previous studies concerning different types and integration methods of PCM, furthermore, environmental, energetic, and economic viability study will be highlighted simultaneously tackling future challenges in regards to PCM integration into buildings under Lebanese climate conditions.

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Thermal Dynamic Behavior in Bi-Zone Habitable Cell with and without Phase Change Materials

Proceedings ◽

10.3390/proceedings2020063041 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 63 (1) ◽

pp. 41

Author(s):

Hanae El Fakiri ◽

Lahoucine Ouhsaine ◽

Abdelmajid El Bouardi

Keyword(s):

Thermal Behavior ◽

Thermal Comfort ◽

Phase Change ◽

Dynamic Behavior ◽

Phase Change Materials ◽

Energy Performance ◽

High Energy ◽

Water Heater ◽

Simplified Modeling

The thermal dynamic behavior of buildings represents an important aspect of the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of the indoor environment. For this, phase change material (PCM) wallboards integrated into building envelopes play an important role in stabilizing the temperature of the human comfort condition. This article provides an assessment of the thermal behavior of a “bi-zone” building cell, which was built based on high-energy performance (HEP) standards and heated by a solar water heater system through a hydronic circuit. The current study is based on studying the dynamic thermal behavior, with and without implantation of PCMs on envelope structure, using a simplified modeling approach. The evolution of the average air temperature was first evaluated as a major indicator of thermal comfort. Then, an evaluation of the thermal behavior’s dynamic profile was carried out in this study, which allowed for the determination of the PCM rate anticipation in the thermal comfort of the building cell.

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Energy Performance Assessment of Innovative Building Solutions Coming from Construction and Demolition Waste Materials

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14051226 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (5) ◽

pp. 1226

Author(s):

Beatriz Fraga-De Cal ◽

Antonio Garrido-Marijuan ◽

Olaia Eguiarte ◽

Beñat Arregi ◽

Ander Romero-Amorrortu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thermal Insulation ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Energy Savings ◽

Flow Analysis ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Construction And Demolition Waste ◽

The European Union ◽

Demolition Waste ◽

The Impact

Prefabricated solutions incorporating thermal insulation are increasingly adopted as an energy conservation measure for building renovation. The InnoWEE European project developed three technologies from Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) materials through a manufacturing process that supports the circular economy strategy of the European Union. Two of them consisted of geopolymer panels incorporated into an External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) and a ventilated façade. This study evaluates their thermal performance by means of monitoring data from three pilot case studies in Greece, Italy, and Romania, and calibrated building simulation models enabling the reliable prediction of energy savings in different climates and use scenarios. Results showed a reduction in energy demand for all demo buildings, with annual energy savings up to 25% after placing the novel insulation solutions. However, savings are highly dependent on weather conditions since the panels affect cooling and heating loads differently. Finally, a parametric assessment is performed to assess the impact of insulation thickness through an energy performance prediction and a cash flow analysis.

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Predicted Medium Vote Thermal Comfort Analysis Applying Energy Simulations with Phase Change Materials for Very Hot-Humid Climates in Social Housing in Ecuador

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13031257 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 1257

Author(s):

Luis Godoy-Vaca ◽

E. Catalina Vallejo-Coral ◽

Javier Martínez-Gómez ◽

Marco Orozco ◽

Geovanna Villacreses

Keyword(s):

Thermal Comfort ◽

Phase Change ◽

Social Housing ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Phase Change Materials ◽

Thermal Sensation ◽

Electricity Consumption ◽

Different Types ◽

Climate Influences ◽

Energy Simulations

This work aims to estimate the expected hours of Predicted Medium Vote (PMV) thermal comfort in Ecuadorian social housing houses applying energy simulations with Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for very hot-humid climates. First, a novel methodology for characterizing three different types of social housing is presented based on a space-time analysis of the electricity consumption in a residential complex. Next, the increase in energy demand under climate influences is analyzed. Moreover, with the goal of enlarging the time of thermal comfort inside the houses, the most suitable PCM for them is determined. This paper includes both simulations and comparisons of thermal behavior by means of the PMV methodology of four types of PCMs selected. From the performed energy simulations, the results show that changing the deck and using RT25-RT30 in walls, it is possible to increase the duration of thermal comfort in at least one of the three analyzed houses. The applied PCM showed 46% of comfortable hours and a reduction of 937 h in which the thermal sensation varies from “very hot” to “hot”. Additionally, the usage time of air conditioning decreases, assuring the thermal comfort for the inhabitants during a higher number of hours per day.

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Scheduling Optimization of a Cabinet Refrigerator Incorporating a Phase Change Material to Reduce Its Indirect Environmental Impact

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14082154 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 2154

Author(s):

Angelo Maiorino ◽

Adrián Mota-Babiloni ◽

Manuel Gesù Del Duca ◽

Ciro Aprea

Keyword(s):

Phase Change ◽

Emission Reduction ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Carbon Emission ◽

Phase Change Materials ◽

Demand Curve ◽

Optimization Technique ◽

Intensity Variation ◽

Carbon Intensity ◽

Carbon Emission Reduction

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) incorporated in refrigerators can be used to shift their energy consumption from peak periods, when the electric network energy demand is the highest, to off-peak periods. While PCMs can flatten the energy demand curve, they can achieve economic savings if Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity tariffs are applied. However, the hourly carbon emission factor is not commonly linked to the hourly tariff, and the final CO2 emitted due to the operations of the refrigerator would not be fully optimized. In this work, a method based on the Simulated Annealing optimization technique was proposed to identify the optimal working schedule of a cabinet refrigerator incorporating a PCM to reduce its indirect carbon emissions. Data from countries with different representative carbon intensity profiles were used. The normalized standard deviation and normalized range are the best statistical indexes to predict carbon emission reduction in the proposed solution. These parameters proved that countries with a higher hourly carbon intensity variation (Uruguay, France, Denmark, and Germany) benefit from the application of the algorithm. Cost and carbon emission reduction cannot be maximized simultaneously, and a trade-off is required.

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Thermo-physical characteristics of building integrated phase change materials (PCM) and their applicability to energy efficient homes

10.32920/ryerson.14660997 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Omar Siddiqui

Keyword(s):

Compressive Strength ◽

Phase Change ◽

Phase Change Materials ◽

Energy Savings ◽

Physical Characteristics ◽

Comfort Level ◽

Thermal Mass ◽

Lower Phase ◽

Physical Test ◽

The Impact

The applicability of utilizing a variety of thermal mass including phase change materials with commonly used building materials is investigated through the use of simulations and physical testing. The thermal performance and occupant comfort potential of a novel solid-solid phase change material, known as Dal HSM, is compared and contrasted to commonly available forms of thermal mass. Detailed experimentation is conducted to successfully integrate Dal HSM with gypsum and concrete. The measurement of physical characteristics such as compressive strength and modulus of rupture is conducted to ensure that the PCM-composite compound retains the structural integrity to be utilized in a typical building. The use of thermal mass in the Toronto Net Zero house was found to contribute to energy savings of 10-15% when different types of thermal mass were used. The comfort level of the indoor occupants was also found to increase. The performance of Dal HSM was found to be comparable to a commercially available PCM known as Micronal in the heating mode. The cooling mode revealed that Dal HSM provided slightly lower energy savings when compared to Micronal due to a lower phase transition temperature and latent heat. The performance of physical test revealed a decrease in the compressive strength as the concentration of Dal HSM was increased in the PCM-gypsum specimens. Tests were also performed to analyze the impact of increasing the PCM concentration on the flexural strength of PCM-gypsum composite.

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Impacts of Microclimate Conditions on the Energy Performance of Buildings in Urban Areas

Buildings ◽

10.3390/buildings9080189 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 189 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Javanroodi ◽

M.Nik

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Urban Morphology ◽

Weather Data ◽

Architectural Form ◽

Energy Performance Of Buildings ◽

Microclimate Conditions ◽

The Impact

Urbanization trends have changed the morphology of cities in the past decades. Complex urban areas with wide variations in built density, layout typology, and architectural form have resulted in more complicated microclimate conditions. Microclimate conditions affect the energy performance of buildings and bioclimatic design strategies as well as a high number of engineering applications. However, commercial energy simulation engines that utilize widely-available mesoscale weather data tend to underestimate these impacts. These weather files, which represent typical weather conditions at a location, are mostly based on long-term metrological observations and fail to consider extreme conditions in their calculation. This paper aims to evaluate the impacts of hourly microclimate data in typical and extreme climate conditions on the energy performance of an office building in two different urban areas. Results showed that the urban morphology can reduce the wind speed by 27% and amplify air temperature by more than 14%. Using microclimate data, the calculated outside surface temperature, operating temperature and total energy demand of buildings were notably different to those obtained using typical regional climate model (RCM)–climate data or available weather files (Typical Meteorological Year or TMY), i.e., by 61%, 7%, and 21%, respectively. The difference in the hourly peak demand during extreme weather conditions was around 13%. The impact of urban density and the final height of buildings on the results are discussed at the end of the paper.

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Effect of phase change material using in building thermal comfort applications through several climate conditions.

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/202017001007 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 170 ◽

pp. 01007

Author(s):

Marwa El Yassi ◽

Ikram El Abbassi ◽

Alexandre Pierre ◽

Yannick Melinge

Keyword(s):

Thermal Comfort ◽

Phase Change ◽

Phase Change Material ◽

Phase Change Materials ◽

Chemical Change ◽

Thermal Inertia ◽

Temperature Fluctuations ◽

High Energy ◽

Climate Conditions ◽

Change Material

Nowadays, buildings sector contributes to climate change by consuming a considerable amount of energy to afford thermal comfort for occupants. Passive cooling techniques are a promising solution to increase the thermal inertia of building envelopes, and reduce temperature fluctuations. The phase change materials, known as PCM, can be efficiently employed to this purpose, because of their high energy storage density. Among the various existing solutions, the present study is dedicated to solid-liquid phase change materials. Temperature evolution (according to their defined temperature range) induces the chemical change of the material and its state. For building applications, the chemical transition can be accomplished from liquid to solid (solidification) and from solid to liquid (melting). In fact, this paper presents a comparative thermal analysis of several test rooms with and without phase change materials embedded in a composite wallboard in different climates. The used PCM consist in a flexible sheet of 5 mm thickness (Energain, manufactured by the company DuPont de Nemours). The main properties of such a commercial solution have been delivered by the manufacturer and from analyses. The room model was validated using laboratory instrumentations and measurements of a test room in four cities: Lyon; Reading and Casablanca. Results indicate that this phase change material board can absorb heat gains and also reduce the indoor air temperature fluctuations during daytime. The aim of the study is to show the benefits of this layer with phase change material and compare it in different climatic zones.

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