Techno-Economic Analysis of Dynamic Building Envelopes Comprising Phase Change Materials and Switchable Insulations
Integrating phase change materials (PCMs) in building envelopes is a recognized technique to reduce the space heating/cooling loads and provide load shedding and shifting capacity. However, PCM benefits have been found to reduce dramatically with increase in the insulation requirements. Dynamic building envelopes that can alter their thermal resistance based on the indoor and outdoor conditions can effectively harness free ambient heating/cooling, thereby greatly enhancing the benefits of the PCM-integrated envelope in managing thermal loads. In this study, we examine various combinations of PCMs and switchable insulations and compare their combined impact on heat flow through the building envelope. Using numerical analysis, we investigate the PCM- and switchable insulation-integrated building walls, calculate the potential energy saving benefits compared to the conventional static walls, and finally perform techno-economic analysis to estimate the acceptable cost of the technology under various payback period scenarios.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Building Technologies Office
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 1997377
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/CP-5500-87325; MainId:88100; UUID:43ba24d3-f612-4021-84ea-94f078ec47da; MainAdminID:70333
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Presented at the 15th International Conference on Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings 2022, 5-8 December 2022, Clearwater Beach, Florida; Related Information: 82623
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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