Phase Change Material Sandwich Panels for Managing Solar Gain in Buildings

In this study, a phase change material (PCM) sandwich panel was developed and tested to evaluate the resulting decrease in heating and cooling loads of a test cabin in Adana, Turkey, where Mediterranean climate prevails. The panel was formed by a macropackage of microencapsulated PCM layer together with an insulation panel. Two different PCMs, with melting points 26 degrees C and 23 degrees C, were used in the panel. Temperature distribution in the cabin was measured for four different cases. In summer, the maximum average temperature reduction achieved in the cabin was 2.5 degrees C when only the PCM was used. This corresponded to a summer cooling load reduction of 7%. In winter, the maximum average temperature increase achieved in the cabin was 2.2 degrees C with the PCM sandwich panel. The winter heating load was decreased by 17%. Energies conserved in cooling and heating were calculated as 186 kWh/year and 206 kWh/year, respectively.