Experimental studies on space heating using phase change material

Abstract

This paper deals with the experimental investigation of convection heating of air inside an experimental chamber similar to a room prototype. A solid‐liquid phase change material (PCM) is used for space heating of the room. A PCM carrier made up of aluminum is placed at various locations in the experimental chamber. The PCM is heated in a water bath and the water in the bath can be heated via solar energy. A theoretical insight highlighting the usage of the current heating system involving the water bath and solar energy is also briefly discussed. The analysis is carried out for various temperatures representing mild winter temperatures in most of the regions in India. Temperature measurements were performed inside the air cavity as well as near the PCM carrier during the air heating process. Three different PCM carriers with different aspect ratios have been used to test the effect of different orientations on space heating. Further, the PCM carrier was kept at two different locations inside the chamber to observe the effect of location on space heating. A new dimensionless temperature has been defined to compare the effect on room air with each PCM configuration.

Experimental Study on Mobilized Cold Thermal Energy Storage System for Free Cooling of Residential small office Building

“…Recommendations based on investigation results, advantages and drawback of PCMs, PCM enhancement options, energy and cost analysis are made for the future research direction [3] . The application of phase change material is extensive that includes thermal management of electronics solar and refrigeration applications space heating and cooling, and other applications that include PCM in building materials textile materials and in food technology for preservation and packing [3][4][5][6][7] .…”