Enhancing Building Thermal Performance with Active PCM Walls
Energy efficiency in buildings is a critical research priority as global demand for cooling and heating continues to rise. This study focuses on improving building envelope systems by integrating phase change materials (PCMs) with regenerative water flow. While PCMs are known for their latent heat storage capacity that helps reduce peak thermal loads, their ability to lower average loads remains limited. To overcome this drawback, the research explores an active cooling strategy where PCMs are regenerated through controlled water circulation, leading to significant thermal performance enhancement. Role of PCM in Thermal Load Management PCMs are widely recognized for their ability to absorb and release heat during phase transitions, making them suitable for moderating indoor temperature fluctuations. However, when compared to conventional insulation of identical thermal resistance, PCMs alone do not significantly improve average cooling loads. This limitation highlights the necessity ...