Introducing two scenarios to reduce building energy usage: PCM installation and integrating nanofluid solar collectors with DHW system

Background: A large share of the building energy usage corresponds to heat loss compensation and heat gain rejection. High energy consumption to provide sanitary hot water should also be considered. Methods: In this paper, by introducing two scenarios, energy usage in both sections is examined in four regions (warm climates). In the first scenario, adding PCM to the vertical walls along with the ceiling, the variations of heat loss/heat gain parameters were evaluated. In the second scenario, using a solar system filled with nanofluid, the reduction in boiler energy usage was investigated. Findings: The usefulness of the first scenario depended on the PCM melting temperature. PCM 24 performed better in warm climates. In the first scenario, the energy-saving was in the range of 620-6600 kWh/year for warm climate. Although the first scenario was not always useful, the second scenario always reduced the boiler energy usage. The use of collectors filled with Al2O3/water led to energy-saving within the range of 3400-4500 kWh/ year. (c) 2021 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigates energy-saving methods in building energy usage in warm climates by introducing two scenarios. The findings suggest that adding PCM to walls and using a solar system filled with nanofluid can effectively reduce energy consumption, with collectors filled with Al2O3/water showing the best results.