Numerical analysis of building envelope with movable phase change materials for heating applications

Gracia Cuesta, Alvaro de

doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/app9183688

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Issue date

2019

Author

Gracia Cuesta, Alvaro de

Suggested citation

Gracia Cuesta, Alvaro de; . (2019) . Numerical analysis of building envelope with movable phase change materials for heating applications. Applied Sciences, 2019, vol. 9, núm. 18, p. 3688-3700. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9183688.

Abstract

Latent heat storage materials have been tested by several researchers for decades to be used as passive heating and cooling systems in buildings but their implementation into building components is still stacked as is facing specific technical limitations related to difficulties to be charged both in heating and cooling periods. This paper presents a numerical analysis to evaluate the potential of a disruptive system, which is designed to solve the main drawbacks and to convert phase change materials (PCM) passive heating technology into a competitive solution for the building sector. The novel technology moves PCM layer with respect to the insulation layer inside the building component to maximize solar benefits in winter and be able to actively provide space heating. Design variables such as PCM melting point and control schemes were optimized. The results demonstrated that this technology is not only able to limit heat losses towards outdoors but it can provide space heating from stored solar energy when required. The promising numerical results endorse the possibility to build a future experimental prototype to quantify more in detail the benefits of this system.

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10459.1/66734

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3390/app9183688

Is part of

Applied Sciences, 2019, vol. 9, núm. 18, p. 3688-3700

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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as cc-by (c) Gracia Cuesta, Alvaro de, 2019