PCM embedded radiant chilled ceiling: A state-of-the-art review

Due to the upsurge in climate change and global warming as a consequence of population increase and economic growth, the energy demand for indoor air conditioning and comfort provision has rapidly grown over the past decade. This emphasises the need for a fast transition to energy-efficient air-conditioning alternatives in buildings. The radiant chilled ceilings (RCCs) embedded with phase change materials (PCMs), owing to the prudent use of energy, large capacity of thermal energy storage, the ability of peak load shifting, and the establishment of thermal comfort, have been introduced as a more sustainable cooling technology. This review aims to identify the state of PCM embedded radiant chilled ceiling (PCM-RCC) for space cooling based on the available literature. To this aim, the operating characteristics and various types of RCCs are critically reviewed. PCM fundamentals and their suitability for building applications are described. This article then focuses on PCM-RCC potentials regarding energy savings, peak load shifting, and thermal comfort. It also discusses various PCM-RCC simulation models. The effects of critical design and operating variables on the system performance are explained as well. It was found that PCM-RCC can be more energy-efficient than that of the conventional all-air system. The main reason is its capability of providing thermal comfort through direct radiant cooling, which covers cooling loads during daytime and subsequently rejects heat during nighttime. However, the system design and operating variables should be carefully selected, since the energy performance is highly affected by the thermal storage capacity and PCM charging/discharging process.

Automated summary

This article reviews the state of PCM embedded radiant chilled ceiling (PCM-RCC) for space cooling, focusing on its potential for energy savings, peak load shifting, and thermal comfort. Various PCM-RCC simulation models are discussed, along with the effects of critical design and operating variables on system performance. It concludes that PCM-RCC can be more energy-efficient than conventional systems, but system design and operating variables must be carefully considered for optimal performance.