Numerical simulation of integrating PCM in multilayer wall construction in UAE

Abstract

Due to their high latent heat content, phase change materials (PCMs) have gained an increasing use for thermal storage and temperature control in many engineering applications including buildings envelop. In this paper, a numerical study of a PCM integrated multilayer light weight building wall under UAE climate is examined. First, the formulation of the finite-volume numerical method as applied to heat conduction in the wall assembly under convective and radiative boundary conditions is presented. Then, the effects of integrating PCMs in reducing the cooling load by peak shifting and magnitude reduction are highlighted. The results showed that under UAE's summer climate, the peak could be shifted by three hours and reduced by 5.2 W/m2.