Using PCM in two proposed residential buildings in Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract

A characteristic feature of lightweight constructions is their low thermal mass which causes high internal temperature fluctuations that require high heating and cooling demand throughout the year. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) is effective in providing thermal inertia to low thermal mass buildings. The aim of this paper is to analyse the thermal behaviour of two proposed lightweight buildings designed for homeless people and to investigate the potential benefit achievable through the use of different types of PCM in the temperate climatic conditions of Christchurch, New Zealand. For this purpose, over 300 numerical simulations have been conducted using the simulation software DesignBuilder®. The bulk of the simulations were carried out under the assumption that the whole opaque building envelope is equipped with PCM. The results showed significant energy saving and comfort enhancement through the application of PCMs. Thereby, annual energy saving of over 50 % was reached for some of the PCMs considered. Additionally, the effectiveness of single, PCM-equipped structure components was investigated and substantial benefits between 19 and 27 % annual energy saving were achieved. However, occupant behaviour in terms of ventilation habits, occupancy of zones etc. remains one of the biggest challenges in any simulation work due to insufficient data.

Combination of Passive and Active Solar Heating with Thermal Energy Storage

“…-Reduction in indoor temperature fluctuations and maintaining thermal comfort [5,7,9]; -Reduction in energy consumption for heating/cooling and efficient use of HVAC units [2,17]; -Enabling peak-load shifting of electricity and producing significant energy savings [19,20]. Combined with lower prices being available during off-peak periods, the associated cost savings could provide the public with an incentive to use PCM and improve the thermal performance of their buildings [19,20]; -Improve the feasibility and distribution of both passive and active solar heating.…”

“…Technical analysis of the global energy consumption highlighted the excessive consumption of energy in the building sector [ 3 ], of which significant improvements could be made to the HVAC operations [ 4 ]. Through the process of conducting many research projects, as published in “ Thermal Energy Storage with Phase Change Materials ” [ 5 ], the authors examined the factors affecting the buildings of lightweight materials and diagnosed the important role played by the thermal mass of the building [ 6 , 7 ] and the lack of thermal mass present in lightweight building materials [ 8 ]. The authors of the same book [ 5 ] also answered the core question of how the thermal mass of new and existing buildings, particularly those made from lightweight materials, can be increased.…”

“…Most of the scholarly findings came to the same advantages of using PCM as a means of improving the thermal mass of lightweight buildings despite including a range of methods (experimental, modelling and simulation) and locations [ 18 ]. Due to this convergence in the findings, the following impacts of increasing thermal mass can be reported: Reduction in indoor temperature fluctuations and maintaining thermal comfort [ 5 , 7 , 9 ]; Reduction in energy consumption for heating/cooling and efficient use of HVAC units [ 2 , 17 ]; Enabling peak-load shifting of electricity and producing significant energy savings [ 19 , 20 ]. Combined with lower prices being available during off-peak periods, the associated cost savings could provide the public with an incentive to use PCM and improve the thermal performance of their buildings [ 19 , 20 ]; Improve the feasibility and distribution of both passive and active solar heating.…”

“…Molecules 2022, 27, 4386 2 of 15 -Reduction in indoor temperature fluctuations and maintaining thermal comfort [5,7,9]; -Reduction in energy consumption for heating/cooling and efficient use of HVAC units [2,17]; -Enabling peak-load shifting of electricity and producing significant energy savings [19,20].…”

A numerical study on applying the movable PCM design to disaster‐relief prefabricated temporary houses used in different climate regions to improve indoor thermal environments in summer

“…Furthermore, studies have shown that the use of phase change materials (PCMs) 10,11 could help improve the thermal comfort in different buildings. 12,13 PCMs were incorporated in both residential 14 and public buildings. 15 Sage-Lauck and Sailor 16 evaluated the impacts of using PCMs on indoor thermal comfort in an insulated residential building using experimental and numerical methods.…”