Numerical investigation and parametric analysis of PCM-based lightweight panels for wall's exterior cladding
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2025
Abstract
This study investigates the potential of lightweight cladding panels incorporating phase change materials (PCMFC) to enhance building energy efficiency and thermal comfort compared to the conventional cement render using numerical simulation. The numerical model was calibrated with experimental data showcasing average deviations below 1.27 %, affirming the high accuracy of the results. Subsequently, the numerical model was employed for parametric analyses to establish the optimal thickness and transition temperature for the PCMFC cladding panels. Results demonstrated that increasing panel thickness to a certain extent and selecting appropriate transition temperatures can significantly improve energy efficiency. Specifically, PCMFC cladding panels with a thickness of 3.0 cm and a transition temperature of 29 degrees C achieved the optimal performance, which reduced the estimated cooling load by up to 25.1 %. Finally, the year-round performance of the optimum PCMFC demonstrated substantial effectiveness in reducing annual discomfort time to 6 % in non-conditioned buildings, i.e., corresponding to COQ emissions reduction of 287.3 kg COQ/year/m2, while lowering annual cooling energy by 22.1-50.3 % in conditioned buildings, i.e., COQ emissions reduction up to 63.5 kg COQ/year/m2. These findings highlight the capacity of PCMFC cladding panels to improve overall thermal performance and minimize energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
Keywords
Phase change material, Foamed concrete, Building envelope, Exterior cladding, Optimum performance, Cooling energy reduction, COQ mitigation
Divisions
Architecture
Funders
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (INSE2414)
Publication Title
Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Volume
65
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Location
RADARWEG 29, 1043 NX AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS