Thermal Analysis of Integrating Roof with Phase Change Materials for Energy Saving in Residential Buildings

The sector of air-conditioning in the residential building consumes most of the total electricity supplied for heating or cooling. Thus it has a major impact on the greenhouse gases and climate. Phase change materials (PCMs) are regarded as a possible solution for reducing the energy consumption of buildings by storing the heat and releasing it in certain times. The present study assists for the utilization of PCMs in the roof of residential building to absorb the heat comes from solar radiation during the daytime and releasing it to the inside nightly. Building considerations as well as thermo-physical properties of PCMs have been taken and measured experimentally. Results have shown that these materials have a good potential for reducing energy demand and satisfy comfortable thermal conditions. The obtained readings, from a rig model built for that purpose, showed that the indoor temperature could increase by 59oC in the winter compared to that measured in a traditional one. Furthermore, a simulation program depended on degree-days method explained that the energy consumption could be saved up to 75%. Thus PCMs could submit encouraging suggestions toward the sustainability.