Computer Simulation for Energy-Efficient Buildings Integrated with Developed Phase Change Material (PCM)

This study investigates the efficiency of integrating phase change materials (PCMs) in the thermal performance and energy consumption of a room model. A small studio room was modelled in DesignBuilder to evaluate the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, energy consumption and CO2 emission. The PCM composite with melting temperatures of 23°C was positioned on the roof and wall of the building model. The results showed that using PCM composite reduced the indoor temperature by 2-3 °C compared to the control room model in the summer and winter. The more difference between outdoor and indoor temperature means decrease in indoor temperature fluctuations and, consequently, reductions in energy consumption. In addition, the simulation highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of integrating PCM into the building. The energy consumption was reduced by 33.4 % in summer while energy consumption was reduced by up to 7.0 % in winter.