Thermal analysis of PCM-filled glass windows in hot summer and cold winter area

Abstract

Phase change material (PCM)-filled glass window was suitable for absorbing or releasing more heat than conventional glass window. Comparisons of thermal performance between PCM-filled glass windows and insulated glass windows (double glass windows filled with dry air and surrounded by sealing strips) were presented in this paper. A 3D unsteady model was built in FLUENT to obtain the internal and external surface temperature fluctuations of these windows in 48 h. Compared with insulated glass windows, thermal performance (especially the thermal regulation effect) of double glass windows filled with Na2SO4.10H2O was quite satisfactory in sunny days of summer, while double glass windows filled with CaCl2.6H2O had a better thermal performance in overcast and rainy days of summer. Because the phase change temperature of these PCM is higher than the ambient temperature in winter, the thermal regulation effects of them were not as good as expected.