Thermal performance analysis of a roof with a PCM-layer under Mexican weather conditions

J. Xamán, A. Rodriguez-Ake, I. Zavala-Guillén, I. Hernández-Pérez, J. Arce and D. Sauceda

Renewable Energy, 2020, vol. 149, issue C, 773-785

Abstract: The thermal performance of a concrete roof with a phase change material (PCM) layer on its interior surface under a Mexican warm weather (Merida) is presented. We analyzed a roof with three types of PCM: Paraffin wax - MG29 (R-PCM1), N-Eicosane (R-PCM2), and Salt Hydrates (R-PCM3). We also considered different thickness of the PCM layer. A conventional concrete roof (R–C) was considered as a reference to compare the results. The numerical simulations were conducted during the warmest and the coldest days of the year. A numerical in-house code was developed, and it was verified by solving reference solutions, obtaining good agreement. The results indicate that the case R-PCM1 with 2 cm of PCM layer had the lowest values of thermal load during the coldest (204.5 W h m−2) and the warmest day (610.7 W h m−2); such values are up to 57% lower than the thermal load corresponding to the R–C. The use of R-PCM1 with 2 cm of PCM-layer in Merida city will have a payback period of 12.18 years, Taking into account that buildings in Mexico have a 30-year ordinary service life, the use of these materials is cost-effective. Therefore, it is recommended the R-PCM1 to improve the thermal behavior of buildings located in Merida.

Keywords: Phase change material; Roof; Mexican weather (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:149:y:2020:i:c:p:773-785

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.12.084

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