ABSTRACT
This article investigates the importance of the design parameters when looking at possible energy savings and comfort enhancement in a building using phase change materials (PCMs). Computer-based simulations are performed using a simulation software for modelling a house and its thermal behaviour over a year. It is found that by varying the heating set point and the phase-change (melting) temperature range of the PCM, significant changes can be observed. Some poor scenarios show that the integration of PCM can increase both the discomfort (up to 6% more discomfort hours) and the energy requirements (up to 25% more energy needed). On the other hand, appropriate scenarios bring significant energy savings (up to 33% less energy needed) and comfort enhancement (up to 31% less discomfort hours). This highlights the strong need for a clever design when integrating PCM into buildings. The goal is to find a trade-off between energy savings and comfort enhancement. The PCM with a phase-change temperature range between 21°C and 26°C shows the best results. The study is based on climate conditions for Auckland City in New Zealand, but most of the conclusions drawn can be applied to any climate.
