A. Castell, M. Medrano, C. Castellon, Luisa F. Cabeza

GREA Innovacio Concurrent, Edifici CREA, Universitat de Lleida, Pere de Cabrera s/n, 25001-Lleida (Spain)

Phone: +34-973 003576, Fax: +34-973 003575 Corresponding Author, [cabeza@diei. udl. cat

Abstract

This work presents an experimental set-up to test phase change materials with various typical insulation and construction materials for Mediterranean construction in real conditions. Several cubicles were constructed with traditional brick and alveolar brick. Macroencapsulated PCM is added in one traditional brick cubicle and in one alveolar brick cubicle (CSM panels, containing RT-27 and SP-25 A8, respectively).

Some experimental results are presented for both summer and winter periods. In summer the energy consumption of the HVAC system was reduced in the PCM cubicle for set points higher than 20 °C. Lower set points decreased the effect of the PCM since it is not melting properly (the melting point of the PCM is around 26 °C). During winter an insulation effect of the PCM is observed, keeping the temperatures of the cubicles warmer, especially during the cold hours of the day.

Keywords: PCM, buildings, cooling, thermal energy storage.

1. Introduction

Energy consumption for thermal comfort in buildings has grown a lot in few years because of increasing users demand for comfort conditions and the associated market penetration of more cooling systems. This increase of energy consumption and the increase of the fuel price and CO2 emissions are promoting a new policy of more sustainable buildings.

Phase change materials (PCMs) have been studied for thermal storage in buildings since before 1980.

In first steps, development and testing were conducted for prototypes of PCM wallboard and PCM concrete systems to enhance the thermal energy storage (TES) capacity of standard gypsum wallboard and concrete blocks, with particular interest in peak load shifting and solar energy utilization.

Several researchers have investigated methods for impregnating gypsum wallboard, concrete and other architectural materials with phase change materials [1-3]. Different types of PCMs and their characteristics are described. The manufacturing techniques, thermal performance and applications of gypsum wallboard, concrete block and concrete with microencapsulated PCM which have been impregnated with phase change materials have been presented and discussed previously [4-7].

This work presents a new experimental set-up to test the effect of the inclusion of PCM in buildings. For this purpose, several cubicles were constructed using traditional brick and alveolar brick.

Macroencapsulated PCM is added in one traditional brick cubicle and in one alveolar brick cubicle (CSM panels, containing RT-27 and SP-25 A8, respectively).