A Simple Trombe Wall Enhanced with a Phase Change Material: Building Performance Study

Viable utilizing of solar energy by a building envelope can be achieved by different structural principles and material layer positions inside the construction. An application of passive responsive materials actuated by various boundary stimuli reveals considerable potential of heat transfer management through the facade system. This paper is focused on the thermal performance of the simple Trombe wall concept enhanced with a phase change material (PCM). The main concern is based on initial performance prediction using calibrated building energy simulation to identify the energy effective parameters for this system. Adjustment of different thermo-physical properties of integrated materials revealed substantial effect on overall thermal efficiency in terms of cooling loads and pointed out the effect of phase change temperature of PCMs.

Automated summary

The paper focuses on the thermal performance of the Trombe wall concept enhanced with a phase change material (PCM), and discusses the potential of this facade system in terms of thermal efficiency through adjusting material properties and using PCM.