Thermal Analysis of Composite Phase Change Drywall Systems

Abstract

The main barriers affecting the performance of phase change materials (PCM) wallboard system during energy recovery mode are identified as inadequate heat transfer and overall reduction in thermal conductivities. In order to assess the extent of these barriers, two integrated PCM drywall systems (i.e., randomly mixed and laminated PCM systems) have been evaluated numerically. The results showed a great advantage of the laminated PCM-wallboard system over the randomly mixed PCM type in terms of enhanced thermal performance and rapid heat transfer rates under narrow temperature swing. For instance, the maximum instantaneous enhancement in heat flux obtained was between 20% and 50% higher during the phase change process and up to about 18% more heat storage and release capacity. Experimental evaluation is, however, required towards validation and development of the laminated system.