Using PCM in buildings to reduce HVAC energy usage taking into account Saudi Arabia climate region

Primary energy consumption increased by 24.2% in the Middle East region from 2010 to 2020. This figure for Saudi Arabia was 40%. Therefore, Saudi Arabia's position in the Middle East is not acceptable in terms of energy consumption. In this study, by the addition of phase change materials (PCMs), the building HVAC power demand (PD) declined. Five climatic regions with an average annual temperature of 2-28.5 degrees C in Saudi Arabia were studied. These locations are classified as hot and dry due to the high intensity of the radiation (global intensity radiation of higher 2100 kWh/m(2).year). Six PCMs with melting temperature range of 21-32 degrees C was mounted to the envelopes and it was found that these materials lessen HVAC PD in each location. In the third region, PCMs were not useful in winter due to ambient temperature conditions. In the summer, all six substances dramatically weakened the HVAC PD. Finally, focusing on annual analysis, the best performance was given to A27 and A29 PCMs. In all regions except the second location, PCM A29 declined HVAC PD by 101.5 kWh/m(2), 84 kWh/m(2), 104 kWh/m(2) and 93 kWh/m(2) for locations of 1, 3, 4 and 5. For location 2, A29 was named the best taking into account HVAC PD reduction by 102.6 kWh/m(2).

Automated summary

The addition of phase change materials (PCMs) can reduce the HVAC power demand in different climatic regions of Saudi Arabia, especially in the summer.