Integration of Phase Change Materials (PCM) in building material is an effective way to store thermal energy in buildings, reducing the energy demand and improving thermal comfort. In most common applications, PCMs are used in combination with materials that make the building envelope. In this study, Mineral Fiber (MF) acoustical ceiling tiles, employed indoors, are integrated with PCM panels made from salt hydrates. This combination provides a dual function – improves acoustics and reduces energy consumption. The thermal properties of the PCM tile are determined by ASTM C1784 test method between 10°C to 28°C (50°F to 82.4°F). The optimum temperature for the PCM phase change is around 22° C (71.6°F). To evaluate the energy savings, PCM & acoustical ceiling panels are installed in a 13 [ft] x 13 [ft] well insulated room with a return air plenum. DIN heaters are used to emulate occupant-heat-generation in the room. The walls and ceiling tiles are fitted with thermocouples and heat flux sensors to assess heat transfer through the surfaces. Air flow and air temperatures are measured as well. The room is fitted with a portable air conditioner with a power measuring device. The energy savings are measured over an 8-hr. day cycle of cooling. Two different cases are studied: 1. MF tiles only and 2. MF+PCM tiles. In both cases, the cooling cycle is initiated by turning on the AC & the DIN heaters from 8 AM to 4 PM, during which time the PCM absorbs heat from the air and melts. The PCM is then charged (frozen) from 4 PM until 8AM the following day with cool air from the AC. This study, currently, evaluates the energy savings only for the first 8 hrs. It is found that the full potential for AC energy savings over the 8-hr. period in the case of MF+PCM tiles is about 20%, and there is a greater potential for thermal load shifting. The room remains cooler for a much longer time in the MF+PCM case. These evaluations do not include the energy that is required for PCM generation. That (along with EnergyPlus modeling) will be a focus of future work.
| File Size : | 1
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| Note : | This product is unavailable in Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 8 |
| Product Code(s) : | D-CH-24-C109 |
| Published : | 2024 |
