Optimization Strategy for Selecting the Combination Structure of Multilayer Phase Change Material (PCM) Glazing Windows under Different Climate Zones

Yao Lu, Faisal Khaled Aldawood, Wanyu Hu, Yuxin Ma, Mohamed Kchaou (), Chengjun Zhang, Xinpeng Yang, Ruitong Yang, Zitong Qi and Dong Li ()
Additional contact information
Yao Lu: School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Fazhan Lu Street, Daqing 163318, China
Faisal Khaled Aldawood: Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 001, Bisha 67714, Saudi Arabia
Wanyu Hu: School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Fazhan Lu Street, Daqing 163318, China
Yuxin Ma: Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Mohamed Kchaou: Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 001, Bisha 67714, Saudi Arabia
Chengjun Zhang: School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Fazhan Lu Street, Daqing 163318, China
Xinpeng Yang: School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Fazhan Lu Street, Daqing 163318, China
Ruitong Yang: School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Fazhan Lu Street, Daqing 163318, China
Zitong Qi: School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Fazhan Lu Street, Daqing 163318, China
Dong Li: School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Fazhan Lu Street, Daqing 163318, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 23, 1-24

Abstract: To improve the energy efficiency and photo-thermal performance of a double-layer PCM glazing window (DP), multilayer PCM glazing windows integrating DP (combination structures) with installations and low-e coating have been developed. However, the energy efficiency of a multilayer glazing window is not higher than DP in all climate zones. The selection of the appropriate optimization strategy of DP, i.e., selecting the most energy-saving multilayer glazing window, should take into account the specific climatic conditions. In this study, five PCM glazing windows (DP and four multilayer combination structures) are proposed. Physical heat transfer and mathematical models were conducted to numerically investigate the thermal and energy performance by Fluent in different climate zones in China. Evaluation indexes for different climate zones were established, and the energy-saving potential of each PCM glazing window was compared, and the resulting combination structure with the most energy-saving potential in each climate zone was regarded as the optimization strategy of DP. The results demonstrated that DP with the external silica aerogel has been identified as the optimization strategy for severe cold zones with 40.28% of energy saved, but it increases energy consumption in mild zones and hot summer and warm winter zones. DP with an external air layer and internal low-e coating is considered for the optimization strategies for cold zones, hot summer, and cold winter zones, and hot summer and warm winter zones, with energy-saving potential rates up to 40.67%, 46.42%, and 46.99% respectively. However, it increases energy consumption in mild zones and cold zones. In addition, DP is proven to possess the lowest energy consumption in mild zones.

Keywords: PCM glazing window; climate zones; optimization strategy; climate applicability; energy-saving potential (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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