The use of phase-change-material as cooling-strategy for buildings in the Chilean climate

Abstract

'Phase-Change-Material' (PCM) is able to store thermal energy through change of its physical condition from solid to liquid without heating-up. In order to enable the effect of phase change a significant difference in maximum daytime and minimum night-time temperature is required. The Chilean climate of the central valley fits perfectly since the average temperature difference between day- and night-time in Santiago ranges from 11(15/4 in July) up to 16 degrees (29/13 in February). The use of PCM in the central part of Chile could be an energy-efficient and economical way of passive cooling of buildings.