Integration of the PCM with intra-ventilation for improved thermal and inertial characteristics of the building envelope

Several solutions based on phase change materials (PCM) are used for the thermal regulation of buildings. In this study, a combination of the inertial effect of PCM and intra-ventilation regulation is proposed. The purpose is to increase the thermal inertia of the building envelope leading to a fast passive and active cooling of the indoor environment. The principle of the solution is the use of a polymer-stabilized paraffin in external walls integrating ventilation pipes. For that, an experimental study of a hollow concrete block with PCM and ventilation tubes is conducted to test its thermal response. Gathered to this part, a 3D numerical model is developed under COMSOL Multiphysics®. The obtained simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data. A parametric study is then performed including its actual characteristics against several conditions; it is revealed that the use of PCM gathered to the ventilation tubes enhances the thermal phase shift. It is stated that the forced ventilation through the tubes makes it possible to manage the energy and contribute to the renewal of the air.