Title

Retrofitting buildings with Phase Change Materials (PCM) – The effects of PCM location and climatic condition

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-15-2023

Publication Title

Building and Environment

Volume

236

Abstract

This study investigates the potential energy savings of adding a layer of Phase Change Material (PCM) to the wall assembly of a prefabricated retrofit panel for different climates using the dynamic simulation tool, TRNSYS. The paper presents the result of the numerical validation of heat transfer through the wall assembly using experimental data. Simulations were carried out to determine the most suitable location for adding the PCM layer to the retrofit panel. The study was performed in both a cold Canadian climate and a tropical climate to understand the effect of climate on the performance of the PCM. It was determined that for both climates placing the PCM closer to the interior gives the best results. We also performed an economic analysis to determine if the incorporation of PCM is economically feasible.

DOI

10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110224

ISSN

03601323

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