Energy saving in Iraq: Waxes as phase change materials for space heating

• Main Authors: Salih, Tawfeeq Wasmi M., Abdulrehman, Mohammed Ali, Al-Moameri, Harith Hasoon, Al-Kamal, Ahmed K.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air conditioning; Buildings; Computer simulation; Energy conservation; Energy consumption; Greenhouse effect; Greenhouse gases; Phase change materials; Physical properties; Space heating; Warm air; Waxes
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0000258

Space heating is one of air-conditioning sectors that consumes a huge amount of the electrical energy supplied to the house and has a major impact on emissions of greenhouse gases and corresponding global warming. Phase change materials (PCMs) are regarded as a possible solution for reducing the energy consumption of buildings by storing the heat and releasing it in certain times. The present study assists for the utilization of waxes as PCMs by attaching an enclosed space to the roof of the building where the wax is exposed to high solar intensity in order to melt, and then circulating the warm air to the room overnight for heating. Building considerations as well as thermo-physical properties of waxes have been taken and measured experimentally. Results have shown that these materials have a good potential for reducing energy demand and satisfy comfortable thermal conditions. The obtained results, from a rig model built for that purpose, showed that the indoor temperature with the using of waxes could increase by 3-6 oC at winter nights compared to that measured in a traditional one. Furthermore, a simulation program depended on degree-days method explained that the energy consumption could be saved up to 67%. In other words, waxes could submit encouraging suggestions to enhance the heating for energy efficient buildings and offer sustainable solutions.