Date of Award

9-1-2024

Thesis Type

phd

Document Type

Thesis (Restricted Access)

Divisions

built

Department

Department of Building Surveying

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

This comprehensive study, conducted in a high-rise office building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, investigates the strategic integration of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) to enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort, utilising a District Cooling System (DCS). The research meticulously evaluates the impact of various PCM configurations on energy consumption and indoor environmental quality, revealing that an optimal PCM selection and thickness can lead to a significant 13.8% reduction in energy usage and a substantial decrease in reliance on conventional cooling systems. Furthermore, the study demonstrates a notable improvement in thermal comfort, with a reduction of 115 discomfort hours, which is pivotal for occupant well-being and productivity in tropical climates. The optimal PCM configuration identified is a 10mm thickness of RT22HC, which effectively balances energy savings and thermal comfort. The synergistic interaction between PCMs and DCS operations is highlighted, with PCMs moderating indoor temperatures more effectively and reducing the DCS load, contributing to further energy savings. The study projects that PCMs can sustain their role in enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort over the long term, despite future climate changes, suggesting that adaptive strategies may be necessary to address potential climatic shifts. In conclusion, this research advocates for the strategic use of PCMs in tropical office buildings as a sustainable solution for energy conservation and thermal management, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change and promote green building practices.

Note

Thesis (PhD) – Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, 2024.

Additional Files
15620-Zhan_Haoxiang.pdf (4774 kB)
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