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Notes:
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In 2004 the University of Lleida began working on the inclusion and effects of PCM into concrete and
performed experiments employing microencapsulated PCM integrated into concrete walls under different
configurations (free-cooling, open windows, etc.). One of the main drawbacks found was the severe
influence of high outdoor temperature peaks and solar radiation over the PCM during the summer, which
prevented its solidification during night and thus diminished its achievable potential benefits. The main
objective of this work is to overcome such a problem and increase the operation time of the PCM and
the thermal comfort achieved. For such a purpose, in 2008–2009 similar experiments have been performed
with awnings added to the set-up, providing them with solar protection. This paper discusses the
observed effects over the PCM activation, comfort conditions inside the building, and compares them to
those obtained without employing awnings. Results showed that peak temperatures were reduced about
6%. Moreover, PCM remained active for at least 4% more hours, and the comfort time was increased at
least 10% in cubicles with awnings. However, the effect of high outdoor temperatures and solar radiation
was not overcome completely as PCM did not complete full phase change cycles everyday as desired.
The work was partially funded by the Spanish government (project ENE2008-06687-C02-01/CON) and the European Union (COST Action COST TU0802), in collaboration with the Cityhall of Puigverd de Lleida. The authors would like to thank the Catalan Government for the quality accreditation given to their research group (2009 SGR 534). |
