Experimental evaluation of phase change material in radiant cooling panels integrated with thermoelectric modules

Abstract

This study proposes a phase change material for use in radiant cooling panels integrated with thermoelectric modules (PCM-TERCP) and evaluates its performance characteristics during the solidification and melting process of phase change materials in design conditions. The PCM-TERCP consists of phase change materials (PCMs), thermoelectric modules (TEMs), and aluminum panels. TEMs operate to freeze the PCM, and PCM stores the cooling thermal energy to maintain the constant surface temperature of the panel for radiant cooling. The main purpose of thermal energy storage systems is the shift of the electricity consumption from day-time to night-time during the summer season. Therefore, PCM-TERCP can implement off-peak operation according to which energy is expected to be saved. The melting temperature of PCM and the target surface temperatures of the bottom panels of PCM-TERCP were designed to be 16°C. Additionally, the room temperature and mean radiant temperature (MRT) was set to 24°C, while the thickness of the PCM pouch was 10 mm. As a result, the solidification process required 4 h and the total input power was 0.528 kWh. Correspondingly, the melting process can operate passively over a period of 4 h. In most cases, the operating temperature was lower than 19°C, which validates the temperature response of PCM-TERCP.