Experimental Investigation of a Bio-Based Phase Change Material to Improve Building Energy Performance

Abstract

Phase Change Material (PCM) plays an important role as a thermal energy storage device by utilizing its high storage density and latent heat property. One of the potential applications of the PCM is in buildings by incorporating them in the envelope for energy conservation. During the summer cooling season, the main benefits are a decrease in overall energy consumption by the air conditioning unit and the time shift in peak load during the day. Experimental work was carried out by Arizona Public Service (APS) in collaboration with Phase Change Energy Solutions (PCES) Inc. with a new class of organic-based PCM. The experimental setup showed maximum energy savings of about 30%, a maximum peak load shift of ∼ 60 min, and maximum cost savings of about 30%.