An Experimental Study of a Thermally Activated Ceiling Containing Phase Change Material for Different Cooling Load Profiles

Abstract

Increasing peak power demand implies the increasing significance of energy storage. Technologies that efficiently store heat and cold are also important for increasing the share of renewables and improving the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The present experimental study investigated the dynamic behavior of a room with suspended thermally activated ceiling panels filled with a material containing 60% paraffin. The purpose of the study was to determine the specific cooling power and the total energy supplied to the phase change material (PCM) during regeneration. Convective heat flux density, radiant heat flux density, and the heat transfer coefficient (convective, radiant) at the ceiling surface were calculated. Analysis shows that shifting system activation to use lower temperatures during the night maintains thermal comfort.

Influence of phase change materials on thermal comfort, greenhouse gas emissions, and potential indoor air quality issues across different climatic regions: A critical review

“…The filling of the PCM with thermally activated ceilings ensured stabilization of the indoor air temperature and improved thermal comfort. However, the air temperature of the room is sensitive to the activation of pump circulation and the thermal conduction of the ceiling panel filling 65 . In extremely cold climates such as China, a simulation study has demonstrated that the application of TABS‐PCM in the northern orientation increases the indoor air temperature by 1.8°C, thus reducing the thermal discomfort of the building 66 .…”

“…However, the air temperature of the room is sensitive to the activation of pump circulation and the thermal conduction of the ceiling panel filling. 65 In extremely cold climates such as China, a simulation study has demonstrated that the application of TABS-PCM in the northern orientation increases the indoor air temperature by 1.8 C, thus reducing the thermal discomfort of the building. 66 The current literature review has shown that there are limited comprehensive indoor thermal studies on TABS-PCMs under different climates.…”

Indoor Environment, Lighting Conditions and Productivity in the Educational Buildings

“…The linear fitting (red line) is quite straightforward, as can be anticipated -humans work and learn better when they are satisfied with their indoor environment. Despite a large number of factors influencing human sensations and perceptions, thermal environment and heat transfer issues might be considered as a dominant force [15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. However, an important element is also noise [22] and future studies might be focused on this aspect due to its possible impact on the general sensations and productivity.…”

Recent Advances and Developments in Phase Change Materials in High-Temperature Building Envelopes: A Review of Solutions and Challenges

“…Sinacka and Szczechowiak [56] studied the dynamic behaviour of a room with hanging thermally triggered ceiling panels packed with 60% paraffin. The densities of convective and radiant heat fluxes, as well as the coefficients of heat transfer at the ceiling surface, Bogatu et al [54] evaluated a new macro-encapsulated PCM panel (MEP) with integrated pipes compared to commercial radiant cooling technologies as an effective ceiling cooling component.…”

“…Sinacka and Szczechowiak [56] studied the dynamic behaviour of a room with hanging thermally triggered ceiling panels packed with 60% paraffin. The densities of convective and radiant heat fluxes, as well as the coefficients of heat transfer at the ceiling surface, were computed.…”