Glazing systems utilizing phase change materials: Solar-optical characteristics, potential for energy conservation, role in reducing carbon emissions, and impact on natural illumination

• Published in: Energy and buildings Vol. 311; p. 114151
• Main Authors: Shaik, Saboor, Vishnu Priya, A, Maduru, Venkata Ramana, Rahaman, Ariful, Arıcı, Müslüm, Kontoleon, Karolos J., Li, Dong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.05.2024
• Subjects: Annualised operating costs; CO2 emission abatement; Natural daylighting; Payback time; SHGC; Solar heat gain reductions; Solar-visible properties; Payback time; Natural daylighting; Solar-visible properties; SHGC; Solar heat gain reductions; Annualised operating costs; CO2 emission abatement
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2024.114151
• ISSN: 0378-7788

Due to their significant impact on worldwide energy consumption, buildings have emerged as the primary focus of current studies on the subject of energy conservation. Glass buildings are becoming increasingly popular due to their many desirable characteristics. The basic clear glass, however, is transparent to more heat and light, causing thermal and visual discomfort. The glazing application in this research makes use of three organic phase change materials (PCMs organic mixture of 21, 30, and 35 °C). The organic mixture PCMs were stuffed into the space between glass panes of double-pane glazing units (DUs) and are explored for solar-visible characteristics, solar heat inputs, cooling and heating operating costs, annualised cost savings, payback time, and natural illuminance in the two climates of India (Vellore and Delhi). The results obtained by the three proposed PCM glazings are compared with conventional DU. To facilitate the numerical methodology of calculating heat gain, operating costs, and costsavings, a MATLAB code was developed. A model of the building's ground floor and first floor was created utilising the Design-Builder, and then the model was run through the daylighting simulation tool to estimate the natural illuminace in the interior. In comparison to PCM glazings, conventional DU has a high transmittance and a low absorption. Among the studied proposed glazings, OM30(L) in its liquid state had shown the greatest reductions in heat input of 238.96 kWh and 208.5 kWh in the Vellore and Delhi climates, respectively. When compared to composite estimates, OM30 has performed admirably in hot climates. When placed in the south orientation, OM30 glazing has recorded the lowest annualised operating cost of 4.33 $/m2 in the Vellore climate. The highest cost savings of $2142.59 was recorded by OM30 in hot climates. Among those studied glazings, conventional DU, OM21(L), and OM30(L) glazing allowed adequate natural illumination in nearly all interior spaces, whereas solid-state PCMs (OM21(S), OM30(S), and OM35(S)) have blocked the interior's natural daylight.