PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS USED FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY STORAGE IN DOMESTIC BUILDINGS

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Global energy demands are growing fast and the worldwide energy consumption in the decades of 2010 to 2030 will be increased by 33%. Buildings account for more than 40% of the total energy consumption in the UK and in cold climate the heat loss to the ground might be responsible for up to one third or even a half of total heat losses. Improving energy efficiency and utilising renewable energy in buildings in the UK are vital in order to create a sustainable and dependable energy market as well as cutting CO2 emissions. The flexibility in choosing heat sources, reduction of fuel consumption and increased indoor environmental quality, enhanced community energy management will also reduce costs for end users.
Solar energy stored in the building facade may affect the energy consumption in buildings. Due to solar energy is an intermittent source, that is, the sun is not shining all the time in a given location. Conversely, sometimes more energy is collected by a solar energy system than is needed for buildings at that time. Heat Pump (HP) is a high energy efficient renewable energy device, but has electricity consumption, therefore can be used for underfloor heating during off peak time. Therefore efficient to collect solar energy / HP energy and store it for later use is important. Phase change materials (PCMs) absorb a large amount of energy as latent heat at a relative constant phase transition temperature and are thus used for passive heat storage and temperature control. PCMs incorporated into solar energy thermal storage or underfloor heating system in buildings may be suitable for absorbing solar energy directly or store the heat from HP during off peak time. One of the main barriers for this application is how to improve the low thermal conductivity of the PCM in order to achieve a quick thermal response with longer thermal store performance in the buildings.
A two dimensional temperature based finite volume numerical simulation model has been developed and experimental validated for PCM energy store. The model will be used to study the thermal performance of using PCM for the novel BIPV, solar energy storage, building insulation with HP. A good understanding of the fundamental heat transfer processes involved is essential for accurately predicting the thermal performance of a PCM augmented building heating system and for avoiding costly system over design. This paper summarizes the results of a detailed theoretical investigation and analysis of solar thermal energy storage and heat loss control in buildings. From this parametric study, optimum arrangements are proposed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication15th World Renewable Energy Congress 2016
Number of pages7
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - Sept 2016
Eventhttp://www.wrec2016indonesia.com/: 15th World Renewable Energy Congress - Jakarda, Indonesia
Duration: 19 Sept 201623 Sept 2016
http://www.wrec2016indonesia.com/

Conference

Conferencehttp://www.wrec2016indonesia.com/
Country/TerritoryIndonesia
CityJakarda
Period19/09/1623/09/16
Internet address

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