Numerical modelling and thermal simulation of PCM-gypsum composites with ESP-r

The aim of the present work is to refine the ESP-r system by incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) modelling. The behaviour of PCMs is modelled using ESP-r's special materials facility. The effect of phase transition is added to the energy balance equation as a latent heat generation term according to the so-called effective heat capacity method. Numerical simulations were conducted for a multi-zone, highly glazed and naturally ventilated passive solar building. PCM-impregnated gypsum plasterboard was used as an internal room lining. The air, surface and resultant temperatures were compared with the no-PCM case and the diurnal latent heat storage effect was analysed. While this effect did not cause a considerable reduction in the diurnal temperature fluctuation, the PCMs did effectively store solar energy in the transitions periods. Additionally, the energy requirement at the beginning and end of the heating season was estimated and compared with ordinary gypsum wallboard. Within this comparison, the PCM composite solidification temperature was 22 degreesC (i.e. 2 K higher than the heating set-point for the room). The results show that solar energy stored in the PCM-gypsum panels can reduce the heating energy demand by up to 90% at times during the heating season. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.