Numerical and experimental investigation on dynamic thermal performance of floor heating system with phase change material for thermal storage

Abstract

The floor heating system with phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal storage is an effective approach to increase the floor thermal capacity and reduce indoor temperature fluctuation range. A two-dimensional numerical model of the floor heating system combined with PCM was developed to investigate its dynamic thermal performance in winter. To verify the reliability of the model, an experimental room was established in Beijing, China. The experiment results agreed well with the modelling results, which demonstrated that the numerical model was reliable. The effects of the phase change temperature, latent heat and thermal conductivity of PCM on the thermal performance of the floor were numerically investigated. The results showed that the phase change temperature and thermal conductivity of PCM had a significant influence on thermal comfort. At the same time, these two thermal physical parameters also played a critical role in improving the utilization rate of PCM. Conversely, the latent heat, in the range of 100 to 200 kJ/kg, had no obvious influence on the thermal performance of the floor. PCM with phase change temperature of 313 K was recommended, which could increase the average indoor temperature by 2.2 K, increase the thermal energy storage ratio by 12% and reduce indoor temperature fluctuation range by 2.2 K.

A conceptual framework for phase change material integration in building components

“…PCMs have been increasingly used in space heating systems for a more efficient use of energy. [60][61][62] Zhou and He 60 experimentally and numerically studied a piped heat Figure 9. PCM-enhanced building components.…”

“…PCMs have been increasingly used in space heating systems for a more efficient use of energy. 60–62 Zhou and He 60 experimentally and numerically studied a piped heat flooring system coupled with hot water supply by replacing the thermal mass layer with a PCM, by TRNSYS with PCM as the thermal mass. They observed fewer temperature fluctations in the floor structure than they did in sand.…”

Improved heating floor thermal performance by adding PCM microcapsules enhanced by single and hybrid nanoparticles

“…PCM as latent storage materials can store 5–14 times more than conventional materials 8 . Several studies show the advantage of PCM in terms of additional thermal performance 9–14 . Bouzennada et al 15 investigated the thermal behavior of PCM‐filled capsules and found that adding a horizontal midseparating fin at 0° inclination angle resulted in the fastest melting and storing energy rate, reducing melting time by up to 20.52%.…”

Experimental Study of Photovoltaic-thermal Integrated Heat Pump Building Heating System

“…Integrating PV/T heat pump water heating systems with radiant floor heating enhances energy utilization. Combining the heat production of PV/T systems with the even heat distribution of radiant floor systems, buildings can achieve optimal energy efficiency and thermal comfort [4,5]. Some studies have already combined radiant floor heating systems with solar thermal systems.…”