Enhancing building cooling efficiency with water-active PCM panels and displacement ventilation in hot climates

Abstract

Buildings in extremely hot climates have high energy demands and carbon emissions due to intensive cooling requirements, emphasizing the need for innovative, energy-efficient cooling solutions. This study introduces and evaluates the performance of a novel cooling system that integrates phase change material (PCM) into water-active ceiling panels combined with displacement ventilation (DV). The PCM used in this study is sourced from waste petroleum products, making it abundant and cost-effective. Using full-scale experiments and CFD simulations, this research assesses the system’s impact on cooling energy consumption, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality, comparing it to conventional cooling systems. The results show that the novel system reduces indoor air temperature peaks by up to 3.5 °C, enhances thermal comfort, and lowers cooling energy consumption, achieving monthly energy savings of up to 32 %. The PCM ceiling panels also reduce peak power usage and overall energy demands through efficient heat storage and re-solidification cycles, enabling shorter cooling operating times. Furthermore, the combined PCM-DV system delivers stable, uniform indoor temperatures, improving occupant comfort and enhancing indoor air quality. This study demonstrates the potential of PCM-enhanced cooling systems in extremely hot climates and provides actionable insights for energy-efficient building strategies in arid regions.