Novel Simulation Algorithm for Modeling the Hysteresis of Phase Change Materials

Anna Zastawna-Rumin, Tomasz Kisilewicz and Umberto Berardi
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Anna Zastawna-Rumin: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Krakow, Poland
Tomasz Kisilewicz: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Krakow, Poland
Umberto Berardi: Department of Architectural Science, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria st., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 5, 1-15

Abstract: Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) using phase change materials (PCM) is one of the most promising ways for thermal energy storage (TES), especially in lightweight buildings. However, accurate control of the phase transition of PCM is not easy to predict. For example, neglecting the hysteresis or the effect of the speed of phase change processes reduces the accuracy of simulations of TES. In this paper, the authors propose a new software module for EnergyPlus™ that aims to simulate the hysteresis of PCMs during the phase change. The new module is tested by comparing simulation results with experimental tests done in a climatic chamber. A strong consistency between experimental and simulation results was obtained, while a discrepancy error of less than 1% was obtained. Moreover, in real conditions, as a result of quick temperature changes, only a partial phase transformation of the material is often observed. The new model also allows the consideration of the case with partial phase changes of the PCM. Finally, the simulation algorithm presented in this article aims to represent a better way to model LHTES with PCM.

Keywords: phase change material; hysteresis; simulations; EnergyPlus; thermal energy storage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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