* Content courtesy of Science Direct
Studies on Passive Cooling Techniques for Buildings using PCM (Phase Change Material)
Scientists across the globe are constantly researching on ways to reduce energy use in residential and commercial buildings to combat climate change by creating sustainable elements. One of their most recent studies was on passive cooling techniques for windows.
Transparent elements like the glass in windows are responsible for a significant amount of SHG (solar heat gain). Building heat gain is usually reduced using conventional methods like filling the absorbing gas or using insulated glass. These conventional methods show limited thermal performance due to low heat capacity. However, in some cases where visibility is only limited by translucidity and thermal performance is more important, in such cases, PCM becomes the best alternative for reducing window heat gains.
Scientists examined double glazed and triple glazed windows filled with PCM for summer and winter climatic conditions. It was observed that triple glazed window filled with PCM is more effective compared to a double glazed window filled with PCM for both winter and summer season.
The study established the performance of ventilation window equipped with PCM heat exchanger during summer months. Performance of newly designed window was tested in two modes i.e. night ventilation mode and air pre-cooling mode. It was found that when PCM plate thickness inside heat exchanger is optimized with a value of 10 mm, it provides a cooling effect up to 6.5 °C with total energy savings of 3.19 MJ/day.
Comparison between window filled with PCM and window filled with absorbing gas was reported. It was observed that PCM filled windows reduce heat penetration compared to gas filled windows. Further research investigated the effect of PCM integrated in glazing on thermal comfort for three seasons. Traditional double glazing was compared with PCM glazing.
Results revealed that there is a significant increase in comfort conditions when PCM glazing is used instead of traditional glazing.
About Westeck Windows and Doors
