Energetic Performance Evaluation of Walls Incorporating Phase Change Material (PCM) Under Semi-Arid Climate of Benguerir City
Mustapha Salihi, Maryam El Fiti, Yasser Harmen, Younes Chhiti, Ahmed Chebak, Bousalham Srhir, Fatima E.M. Alaoui, Mounia Achak, Charafeddine Jama
Abstract
The integration of phase change materials (PCMs) in the construction sector as a passive latent heat thermal energy storage system is a promising solution to regulate the thermal comfort of occupants and reduce energy consumption. In this study, a numerical investigation of PCM-enhanced integrated building walls in a semi-arid climate is performed to better understand the PCM effect in the building and optimise the choice of a PCM. A parametric study of various phase-change materials (RT-18 HC, RT-21 HC, RT-25 HC, RT-28 HC, and RT-35 HC) in PCM-composites walls is performed. The simulation results showed that the PCM-integrated walls lead to a considerable improvement in the indoor comfort and reduction in cooling and heating consumptions, as well as temperature fluctuations. Finally, this research has shown that a PCM wall comprising the paraffin RT-28 HC as PCM provides better heating and cooling energy performance, which significantly reduces annual energy consumption.