Effects of Phase Change Materials on heat flows through double skin facades

The potential of exemplary organic and inorganic Phase Change Materials (PCMs) as facade integratedstorage is tested. The impact of two PCMs on heat flows is assessed in comparison with water andconcrete. The simulation-study employs a transient Modelica simulation model of a test cell featuringthe Solar Energy Balanced Facade (SEBF). It is shown that, when compared to water, PCMs of identicalvolume change the seasonal energy balance in winter and summer by only ± 4%. Other than water,the PCMs maintain this effect even if the storage volume decreases. Due to spatial constraints, thiscan support the integration of thermal storage in facade design considerably. Preliminary resultsindicate that designing thermal storage in facades with PCMs must not only consider the latent heatstorage capacity, but also take into account the combined effects of latent heat capacity, meltingpoint, conductivity, and dead load. The application of PCMs promises to foster the integration of thetechnology of SEBF into facades, but the necessary deliberate selection of, and design with, PCMsrequires further research.