Evaluation of the energy flexibility potential of radiant ceiling panels with thermal energy storage

Abstract:

This study focuses on evaluating the energy flexibility potential of an innovative cooling technology that consists of a standard radiant ceiling panel incorporating macro-encapsulated phase change materials (PCM). The incorporated PCM allows shifting the energy demand for building cooling. A simulation case study is implemented to investigate the energy flexibility of an office building conditioned by the proposed system in a hot and humid climate. At first, the thermal storage properties of the macro-encapsulated PCM were determined by using the standard ASTM C1784-20. The obtained properties were then used in a whole-building simulation model validated using measurements in a real size walk-in chamber. Three different performance indicators were used to quantify energy flexibility: available storage capacity, storage efficiency, and power shifting capacity. Results show that with an average panel to ceiling ratio of around 66%, the radiant ceiling panel has an average sensible heat storage capacity of around 430 Wh/m2day and average annual storage efficiency of 86%. Results also show that the proposed system can shift the electric power demand for conditioning by 8 h compared to a conventional all-air system. These results confirm the benefit for implementing Demand-Side Management strategies that can exploit the energy demand flexibility of radiant ceiling panels incorporating PCM.

Año de publicación:

2022

Keywords:

• phase change material
• Thermally active building systems
• Energy flexibility
• Radiant ceiling panel
• Thermal energy storage

Fuente:

scopus