Modeling and simulation of thermal performance of under-floor electric heating system with shape-stabilized PCM thermal energy storage plate

The paper illustrates a structure of electric floor heating system with shape-stabilized phase change material (PCM) thermal storage plate as a new space-heating mode. Such system is of two salient features: being capable of applying the electricity at night which may be much cheaper than that at daytime to heat the occupied space so that the electric tariff may be saved a lot, and the thermal comfort degree can be improved compared with applying sensible heat thermal energy storage plate. The main purpose of the paper is to clarify the thermal performance of the system and its feasibility in winter. For this reason a theoretical model of analyzing the thermal performance of a room applying under-floor electric heating system with shape-stabilized PCM thermal energy storage in winter is developed. The model refers to the overall building envelopes, electric floor system and indoor air. By modeling and simulation, the main factors of influencing the thermal performance of the system are clarified. To improve the indoor thermal comfort degree and reduce the energy waste, the paper presents a control method of varying the heating area in responds to the mean indoor temperature of the previous day and calculates its effect.