Tests of prototype PCM ‘sails’ for office cooling

PCM modules, constructed from a paraffin/LDPE composite, were tested in an occupied London office, in summer. Design variations tested the effect on heat transfer of a black paint or aluminium surface, the effect of different phase transition zones and the effect of discharging heat inside or outside. The modules’ temperatures were monitored along with airflow rate, air temperature and globe temperature. Their small size meant any effect on room temperature was negligible. Using DSC measurements of the PCMs’ thermophysical properties, in conjunction with the environmental measurements, a semi-empirical model of the modules was constructed in FLUENT using an enthalpy-porosity formulation to model phase change. Good validation was obtained for all modules using the temperature measurements with notable divergence when maximum liquid fraction was reached. The model was validated by the temperature measurements and used to generate mean liquid fraction and surface heat transfer rate profiles for performance comparisons. The broad phase transition zones of the PCMs results in wasted latent heat capacity. Black modules transfer heat and exhaust latent storage capacity significantly quicker than aluminium modules, due to radiant exchange. Discharging heat outside leads to an increase in thermal storage capacity and a higher rate of heat absorption.