Study of Salt Hydrate-based Phase Change Materials Integrated into Thermal Energy Storage System for Air Pre-cooling in Hot Climate

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The cooling of lightweight buildings is a major future challenge due to the consequences of global warming. Air conditioning (AC) systems are a major energy consumer, so even small improvements in AC performance can lead to significant energy savings. This numerical study investigates the use of thermal energy storage (TES) to improve AC performance in hot climates. TES is a technology that shows promise in meeting the rising energy demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) is a specific type of TES that aims to reduce the need for excessive cooling or heating in buildings. Researchers are currently exploring the use of phase change materials (PCMs) as potential LHTES materials to enhance energy efficiency in building systems. The primary objective of this paper is to explore the application of PCMs specifically salt hydrate (CaCl2.6H2O) with a melting range of 29– 33°C in the pre-cooling of air, where they store night time ambient cooling and release it during the day to diminish peak cooling requirements. To accomplish this, a standard-size air-conditioning duct incorporated with the PCM enclosure has been modelled using ANSYS/Fluent. Results showed that a PCM-based air-pre-cooling model reduced peak cooling demand by 23% and air conditioning system capacity by 30%, achieving an 8.2°C drop in temperature at a velocity of 1 m/s. The findings of this study suggest that PCMbased TES systems are a promising technology for improving AC performance in hot environments.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication9th World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering, CSEE 2024
EditorsHany El Naggar, Joaquim Barros, Paulo Cachim
PublisherAvestia Publishing
ISBN (Print)9781990800351
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event9th World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering, CSEE 2024 - London, United Kingdom
Duration: Apr 14 2024Apr 16 2024

Publication series

NameWorld Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering
ISSN (Electronic)2371-5294

Conference

Conference9th World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering, CSEE 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period4/14/244/16/24

Keywords

  • Air pre-cooling
  • Air-conditioning
  • Energy efficiency
  • Phase change material
  • Salt hydrate
  • UAE

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering

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