Energy performance of an operational government building retrofitted with ceiling phase change material tiles in a mixed-humid climate

Wijesuriya, Sajith; Mazidi, Habib Arjmand; Kishore, Ravi Anant; Booten, Chuck

doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.115313

Energy performance of an operational government building retrofitted with ceiling phase change material tiles in a mixed-humid climate

Journal Article · Sun Jan 12 00:00:00 EST 2025 · Energy and Buildings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.115313· OSTI ID:2530912

^[1]; ^[2]; Kishore, Ravi Anant ^[1]; ^[1]

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI (United States)

The aging U.S. building stock requires various retrofit measures to enhance their energy efficiency. Here, this study explores the integration of thermal energy storage and advanced building controls as viable retrofit solutions for load flexibility and peak demand response while maintaining the occupants' comfort. A detailed assessment is conducted on the energy use of an administrative building in Sumner County, Kansas, focusing on the implementation of phase change materials (PCMs) in the ceiling of occupied zones. First, a time-resolved, whole-building energy model is developed in EnergyPlus, incorporating complex thermal behaviors such as air exchange between the plenum space and occupied zones, envelope leakage, and operational schedules. The model is then validated using experimental field test data, and subsequently a parametric assessment of key PCM properties and application strategies is performed to evaluate cooling electricity demand benefits. The parametric study shows that the optimal retrofit strategy, comprising a PCM with 23°C peak melting temperature, 0.125 in. (3.17 mm) thickness, and 150 kJ/kg latent heat, combined with active controls that include 8 h of precooling, forced convection under the ceiling, and a 2°C thermostat setback during peak hours, can result in a maximum load shift during the peak period of 99.6 % and the total electricity savings during the peak period of 98.9 % for the optimum case and thus provide significant cost savings under time-of-use pricing scenarios.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

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

Grant/Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 2530912

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA--5500-89426; MainId:90205; UUID:317902e7-117c-4e26-886b-22b0278a7ca1; MainAdminId:76328

Journal Information:: Energy and Buildings, Journal Name: Energy and Buildings Vol. 330; ISSN 0378-7788

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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