Study of Energy Saving in a Greek Building Using Phase Change Materials
Abstract
In Greece the energy upgrading of existing and new buildings, manufactured to the highest standards of thermal insulation is a necessity according to the National regulations due to high consumption of the existing building infrastructure. In recent years, the trend in the building sector is to achieve thermal comfort conditions and to minimize the use of conventional energy. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have high heat storage capacity so that they can absorb a lot of energy before melting or solidifying. A PCM temperature remains constant during the phase change, which is useful for keeping the subject at a uniform temperature. In this study the potential energy benefits that can arise from integrating PCMs into building components, are examined. The software adopted (TRNSYS) simulates the behavior of the building throughout the year in the climate of Greece.