Work

Dynamic Simulations of Phase-Change Emulsions in Cooling Systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The application of phase change material emulsions (PCMEs) in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is considered to be a potential way of saving energy due to their relatively higher energy storage capacity compared with water. They are now widely used as a heat transfer media, so they are able to reduce the flow rate whilst delivering the same amount of cooling energy. In order to evaluate the energy-saving potential of the integrated PCME air conditioning system, whole-building energy simulation was carried out with the building simulation code TRNSYS. Before simulating the whole system, a mathematical model for a PCME-integrated fan coil unit was first developed and validated. A phase change material emulsion called PCE-10 was used, and the TRNSYS simulation showed that the required volumetric flow rate of phase change material emulsions was 50% less than that of water when providing the same cooling effect, which could contribute to a 7% reduction in total energy consumption.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15111873

Authors: Yuting Wang, Jingjing Shao, Jo Darkwa, Georgios Kokogiannakis

Institutions: Ningbo University of Technology, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, University of Wollongong

Language: English

Topic: Phase Change Materials Research

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137