Thermal Analysis of Integrating Roof with Phase Change Materials for Energy Saving in Residential Buildings

Abstract

The sector of air-conditioning in the residential building consumes most of the total ‎electricity supplied for heating or cooling. Thus it has a major impact on the greenhouse gases and climate. Phase change ‎materials (PCMs) are regarded as a possible solution for reducing the energy consumption of ‎buildings by storing the heat and releasing it in certain times. The present study assists for the ‎utilization of PCMs in the roof of residential building to absorb the heat comes from solar ‎radiation during the daytime and releasing it to the inside nightly. Building considerations ‎as well as thermo-physical properties of PCMs have been taken and measured experimentally. ‎Results have shown that these materials have a good potential for reducing energy demand ‎and satisfy comfortable thermal conditions. The obtained readings, from a rig model built for that purpose, ‎showed that the indoor temperature could increase by 5-9^oC in the winter compared to that ‎measured in a traditional one. Furthermore, a simulation program depended on degree-days ‎method explained that the energy consumption could be saved up to 75%. Thus PCMs could ‎submit encouraging suggestions toward the sustainability.‎