Numerical study and experimental validation of a multi-functional dual-air-channel solar wall system with PCM

Abstract A multi-functional dual-air-channel solar wall system with phase change material (PCM) is presented. It can generate electricity in the whole year and provide hot water in non-heating season, space heating in heating season. This system improves the shortcoming of traditional solar wall system that cannot work continuously at nighttime. Firstly, several continuous full-day experiments were conducted to investigate the thermal and electrical performance in each working mode. Secondly, mathematical model of the system was established and validated. Thirdly, parameter analyses were introduced to evaluate the performance of this system in different conditions. The main results are: (1) The system achieved good electrical and thermal performance in each working mode, and continuous indoor space heating was enhanced during nighttime in winter and transition season; (2) Through the model validation, the accuracy of established model was acceptable; (3) Proper increase of the PV cells coverage and channel height can improve the comprehensive performance of the system; (4) For a better continuous space heating performance during nighttime, phase change range of PCM is more suitable to be 19∼21 °C in the selected experimental winter days and 22∼24 °C in the transition season days.