A study on the efficiency of integrating phase change materials in the roof structure of residential buildings in Tunisia

摘要

This work is presented in the context of improving the energy efficiency in the residential building sector in Tunisia. Its objective is to study the feasibility of integrating phase change materials (PCMs) in the external envelope using the "EnergyPlus" software as a simulation tool. The specific Tunisian climate, which is mild and temperate, requires both heating in winter and cooling in summer. Accordingly a parametric study with respect to the whole year energy consumption is conducted. The simulation results of the integration of a Bio-PCM in a typical concrete-based roof structure showed that it is recommended to choose a phase change temperature close to the cooling set-point temperature and to place the PCM on the outside face of the roof. This provided an annual load reduction rate of 9.66%. The combination of the PCM with thermal insulation reduces the effect of the PCM on energy savings when using high levels of insulation. The effectiveness of the PCM integration in cool roofs is proved during the heating season. However, this combination is not interesting during the cooling season.