IMPACT OF BUILDING-INTEGRATED PCM ON THE INDOOR THERMAL ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF AN OFFICE ZONE

摘要

This paper investigates different design options for the integration of active Phase Change Material (PCM) inan office zone. The charging and discharging of the PCM, arranged in layers, is managed by a controlledairflow passing through these layers. Two configurations are considered: (a) PCM in a wall in which a PCMlayer is in contact with the room air and; (b) PCM within a duct heat exchanger in a ceiling plenum. Severalcontrol strategies are also evaluated. In comparison with a room without PCM, it was found that the annualheating energy use can be reduced by 29% for the first configuration, and 33% for the second. An enhancedcontrol strategy may yield a 38% reduction with the Configuration B. Furthermore, the morning peak loadcould be reduced by 22% by improving the charging/discharging strategy of the PCM in the ceiling plenum.