Energy saving performance optimization and regional adaptability of prefabricated buildings with PCM in different climates

In recent years, prefabricated building is widely used in residential building and construction site. However, due to the high heat transfer performance of prefabricated building envelopment, the indoor thermal environment of prefabricated building is poor. The application of phase change material (PCM) of prefabricated building envelopment is an effective mean to improve the indoor thermal condition in building. In this paper, the thermal performance and energy consumption of prefabricated building with PCM were investigated by using EnergyPlus software in five different climatic regions. Results showed that PCM placed inside the building wall or roof is more energy-saving than outside; PCM placed on the east or west side building wall is better for energy saving and indoor air temperature improvement; cetane has the best energy-saving effect among the five kinds of PCM; thickness of PCM with optimal energy saving is 10 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm and 30 mm in the areas of severe cold, cold, mild, hot summer and cold winter, hot summer and warm winter, respectively. Conclusively, PCM can significantly improve the thermal and energy performance of prefabricated building in different regions, which promote the development of such buildings.