Efficacy of incorporating PCMs into the commercial wall on the energy-saving annual thermal analysis

In this study, the efficacy of incorporating phase change material (PCM) into the building walls on the annual heat transfer reduction is examined. First, heat transfer from the base wall (without PCM) was numerically calculated monthly throughout the year. Then, PCM was incorporated into the wall and its heat transfer was calculated. It was found that using PCM in all months is beneficial and the maximum heat transfer reduction is 16.7% and occurs in June. Based on the results, the lower the thermal conductivity, the greater the PCM's ability to reduce heat transfer. Installation of PCMs such as Enerciel 22, C16-C18, Paraffin C 18 and Capric acid (with thermal conductivity of about 0.15 W m-1 K-1) inside the wall reduces heat transfer between the indoor and outdoor space by up to 15% throughout the year. Incorporating PCM of Enerciel 22 in the warm months of the year (June, July, August and September) reduces heat transfer to the room by 15.36%, while, in the colder months of the year, the heat transfer from the interior is reduced by 14.82%. Finally, throughout the year, the heat transfer between the interior and the outdoor is reduced by 14.87% due to the using PCM of Enerciel 22.

Automated summary

Incorporating phase change materials (PCM) into building walls can effectively reduce annual heat transfer, with better performance in warmer months and a more significant effect with lower thermal conductivity.