Effect of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) Integrated into a Concrete Block on Heat Gain Prevention in a Hot Climate

Ahmad Hasan, Khaled A. Al-Sallal, Hamza Alnoman, Yasir Rashid and Shaimaa Abdelbaqi
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Ahmad Hasan: College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box, Al Ain 15551, UAE
Khaled A. Al-Sallal: College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box, Al Ain 15551, UAE
Hamza Alnoman: College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box, Al Ain 15551, UAE
Yasir Rashid: College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box, Al Ain 15551, UAE
Shaimaa Abdelbaqi: College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box, Al Ain 15551, UAE

Sustainability, 2016, vol. 8, issue 10, 1-14

Abstract: In the current study, a phase change material (PCM) contained in an insulated concrete block is tested in extremely hot weather in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to evaluate its cooling performance. An insulated chamber is constructed behind the block containing PCM to mimic a scaled down indoor space. The effect of placement of the PCM layer on heat gain indoors is studied at two locations: adjacent to the outer as well as the inner concrete layer. The inclusion of PCM reduced heat gain through concrete blocks compared to blocks without PCM, yielding a drop in cooling load indoors. The placement of PCM and insulation layers adjacent to indoors exhibited better cooling performance compared to that adjacent to the outdoors. In the best case, a temperature drop of 8.5% and a time lag of 2.6 h are achieved in peak indoor temperature, rendering a reduction of 44% in the heat gain. In the tested hot climate, the higher ambient temperature and the lower wind speed hampered heat dissipation and PCM re-solidification by natural ventilation. The findings recommend employing a mechanical ventilation in hot climates to enhance regeneration of the PCM to solid state for its optimal performance.

Keywords: phase change material; thermal management; building insulations; air infiltration; time lag; decrement factor (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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