The present paper proposes and evaluates a novel solution for increasing the effectiveness of phase change materials (PCMs) micro-encapsulated in thin wallboards, in order to improve summer thermal comfort in buildings. The unique feature of this solution consists in realizing a narrow cavity between the wallboards containing the PCM and the partition wall. Here, fresh air might circulate according to appropriate control logics, thus boosting the rate of heat flux exchanged by the PCM, and enhancing its solidification process. This set-up should increase the PCM storage efficiency and the average thermal comfort perceived by the occupants. After introducing a mathematical model to identify the temperature distribution along the ventilated cavity, its actual efficiency is evaluated through a case study, based on simulations performed with EnergyPlus. The evaluation is accomplished by means of newly-introduced indicators that allow a thorough description of the PCM behaviour and its relation with thermal comfort in the room.

Simulation of a ventilated cavity to enhance the effectiveness of PCM wallboards for summer thermal comfort in buildings

EVOLA G
;
MARLETTA L;SICURELLA F
2014-01-01

Abstract

The present paper proposes and evaluates a novel solution for increasing the effectiveness of phase change materials (PCMs) micro-encapsulated in thin wallboards, in order to improve summer thermal comfort in buildings. The unique feature of this solution consists in realizing a narrow cavity between the wallboards containing the PCM and the partition wall. Here, fresh air might circulate according to appropriate control logics, thus boosting the rate of heat flux exchanged by the PCM, and enhancing its solidification process. This set-up should increase the PCM storage efficiency and the average thermal comfort perceived by the occupants. After introducing a mathematical model to identify the temperature distribution along the ventilated cavity, its actual efficiency is evaluated through a case study, based on simulations performed with EnergyPlus. The evaluation is accomplished by means of newly-introduced indicators that allow a thorough description of the PCM behaviour and its relation with thermal comfort in the room.
2014
phase change materials; thermal comfort; ventilated cavity; dynamic simulations
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS - PCM cavity.pdf

solo gestori archivio

Tipologia: Versione Editoriale (PDF)
Licenza: Non specificato
Dimensione 1.77 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.77 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/14800
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 80
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 68
social impact