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Integration of phase change material-based storage in air distribution systems to increase building power flexibility

Number: 3565

Author(s) : HLANZE P., ELHEFNY A., JIANG Z., CAI J., SHABGARD H.

Summary

This paper presents a novel energy storage solution by incorporating phase change material (PCM) in the building supply-air duct to increase a building’s thermal storage capacity. This solution has various advantages compared to PCM-integrated walls including more effective heat transfer (forced convection and greater temperature differentials). During off-peak hours, the system runs at a supply-air temperature below the material’s solidification point to charge the PCM with cooling energy. During on-peak hours, a higher supply-air temperature is utilized so that the stored energy can be discharged into the supply-air. This shifts a portion of the building’s cooling load from the on-peak hours to the off-peak hours. A numerical model for the melting and solidification of PCM in the duct was developed and modified using experimental data. Whole building energy simulations were conducted by coupling the PCM model with EnergyPlus DOE prototypical building model in a Simulink co-simulation platform. Simulations were performed for three cities in different climate zones over a three-month cooling season (June to August), and the PCM storage reduced the on-peak energy consumption by 20-25%. The electricity cost and payback period were determined using current time-of-use electricity rates.

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Pages: 10

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Details

  • Original title: Integration of phase change material-based storage in air distribution systems to increase building power flexibility
  • Record ID : 30028661
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 2021 Purdue Conferences. 6th International High Performance Buildings Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2021/05/24
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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