Efficient utilization of PCM in building envelope in a hot environment condition

• Published in: International Journal of Thermofluids 2022-11, Vol.16, p.100205, Article 100205
• Main Author: Alshuraiaan, Bader
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Heat transfer; Hot climate; Phase change materials; Transient conduction
• ISSN: 2666-2027; 2666-2027
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijft.2022.100205

The thermal performance of the building envelope must be adjusted to promote sustainability, reduce energy consumption, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this case, the elements' thermal resistance and heat storage capacity are critical. Due to their high energy density and ability to absorb/release heat under nearly isothermal conditions, phase change materials are extremely competitive and have a wide range of applications. The effectiveness of using PCM in the building envelope is studied in this investigation under exceptionally hot climatic conditions. A thermal model is developed based on the nonlinear transient heat conduction equation to predict the time-dependent thermal response of a multilayer building envelope wall. The enthalpy formulation is used to account for the phase change process, and the mathematical model is solved numerically using the finite element method. A typical exterior multilayer wall's thermal performance is studied and utilized as a benchmark. Then, at various points throughout the wall, a PCM layer is incorporated. The effect of the PCM on wall temperature distribution, heat movement into the interior area, and the fraction of molten material in the PCM layer is investigated. Optimization analysis is used to establish the suitable PCM melting temperature interval, with the heat flow at the internal surface of the wall as the objective function to be minimized. The thermal energy flow into the internal space can be reduced by approximately 50% when the PCM settings are improved. The findings of this investigation demonstrate that the suggested computational model is effective in calculating the optimal PCM, resulting in a significant improvement in the external wall's thermal performance. Integrating PCM into the building envelope is a viable technique for the region, as it has the potential to reduce the amount of heat entering the building, hence lowering the air conditioning load and lowering energy consumption.