Abstract
Phase-change materials (PCM) used in building envelopes appear to be a promising technology to reduce energy consumption and reduce/shift peak load. However, due to complexity in modeling the dynamic behavior of PCMs, current modeling tools either lack an accurate way of predicting the performance and impact of PCMs in buildings or validation of predicted or measured performance is not available.
This paper presents a model of a PCM-enhanced dynamic-insulation system in EnergyPlus (E+) and compares the simulation results against field-measured data. Laboratory tests to evaluate thermal properties and to characterize the PCM and PCM-enhanced cellulose insulation system are also presented in this paper.
Results indicate that the predicted daily average heat flux through walls from the E+ simulation was within 9% of field measured data. Future analysis will allow us to predict annual energy savings from the use of PCM in buildings.
