Numerical Study on Energy-Saving Performance of a New Type of Phase Change Material Room

Abstract

The thermal performance of a phase change energy storage building envelope with the ventilated cavity was evaluated. CaCl2·6H2O-Mg(NO3)2·6H2O/expanded graphite (EG) was employed to combined with the building for year-round management. The energy consumption caused by the building under different influence parameters was evaluated numerically. The results indicated that CaCl2·6H2O-8wt %Mg(NO3)2·6H2O/EG should be installed on the south wall for the heating season, while CaCl2·6H2O-2wt %Mg(NO3)2·6H2O/EG should be integrated on the roof for the cooling season. When the air layer was ventilated and the south wall was coated with the solar absorbing coating, the room could save approximately 30% of energy consumption. Moreover, the energy consumption increased with an increase in the air layer thickness, and the air layers played a different role in the building envelope. The optimal value of the flow rate between air layer 2, air layer 3, and the room was 0.09 m3/s. To reduce the energy consumption, the phase change materials (PCMs) with large and small thermal conductivity should be installed in the south wall and roof, respectively. In general, the phase change energy storage building envelope with the ventilated cavity can save energy during the heating and cooling seasons.

Keywords

• phase change material
• inorganic hydrated salt
• ventilated air layer
• building energy conservation
• numerical simulation