An optimisation study of PCM triple glazing for temperate climatic conditions – Dynamic analysis of thermal performance

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 283; p. 128361
• Main Authors: Kułakowski, Tomasz, Węglarz, Arkadiusz, Heim, Dariusz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.11.2023
• Subjects: bioinformatics; Central European region; energy; Fuzzy sets; Heat transfer; Net radiation; Phase change; phase transition; Poland; solar energy; Solar radiation; temperature; Weighted sum; Poland; Central European region; Net radiation; Fuzzy sets; Weighted sum; Solar radiation; Phase change; Heat transfer
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.128361

PCM-windows can play an important role in the protection of buildings against overheating but also as systems for effective storage of solar energy. The presented study indicated the optimal solution for the triple-glazed window where one cavity is fullfilled with phase change material (PCM) in temperate climatic conditions characteristic for Poland. Regarding different thicknesses, positions, and temperatures of phase change material, the a recommended solution was determined using the simulation technique. The computational model was developed, numerically verified, and experimentally validated. The entire meteorological year analyses were done for the climatic conditions of Central Europe, considering windows exposed to facing the South. The optimal solution was determined using two methods - the Weighted Sum method and the Fuzzy Sets method. Both point out a variant with a PCM layer located in the inner cavity and the average melting temperature of PCM equal to 25 °C. However, different criteria and sets of linguistic variables in fuzzy sets determined different optimal PCM thicknesses ranging from 5 to 20 mm. •The model differs in the treatment of solar radiation propagation in PCM-glazing.•The Mushy Volume Tracking and Net Radiation methods were used in the simulation.•Latent heat storage was simulated without any predefined melt/solidify scenarios.•The Weighted Sum and the Fuzzy Sets methods were used for optimization.