Modeling and analysis of energy and exergy performance of a PCM-augmented concrete-based Trombe wall systems

Abstract

The aim of this research was to model the performances of energy and exergy on a Trombewall system to enable an adequate thermal comfort. The main equations for the heat transfer mechanisms were developed from energy balances on subcomponents of the Trombe wall with the specification of the applicable initial and boundary conditions. During the incorporation of the PCM on the Trombe wall, the microencapsulation approach was adopted for better energy conservation and elimination of leakage for several cycling of the PCM. The charging and discharging of the PCM were equally accommodated and incorporated in the simulation program. The results of the study show that an enhanced energy storage could be achieved from solar radiation using PCM-augmented system to achieve thermal comfort in building envelope. In addition, the results correspond with those obtained from comparative studies of concrete-based and fired-brick augmented PCM Trombe wall systems, even though a higher insolation was used in the previous study.