Verification and validation of EnergyPlus phase change material model for opaque wall assemblies
Tabares-velasco, P. C., Christensen, C. and Bianchi, M.
2012 Building and Environment, Volume 54, August 2012, Pages 186-196
Phase change materials; Validation; Building energy simulation; Building envelope; PCM; Storage
Tabares-velasco, P. C., Christensen, C. and Bianchi, M., (2012), "Verification and validation of EnergyPlus phase change material model for opaque wall assemblies", Building and Environment, Volume 54, August 2012, Pages 186-196.
Abstract:
Phase change materials (PCMs) represent a technology that may reduce peak loads and HVAC energy consumption in buildings. A few building energy simulation programs have the capability to simulate PCMs, but their accuracy has not been completely tested. This study shows the procedure used to verify and validate the PCM model in EnergyPlus using a similar approach as dictated by ASHRAE Standard 140, which consists of analytical verification, comparative testing, and empirical validation. This process was valuable, as two bugs were identified and fixed in the PCM model, and version 7.1 of EnergyPlus will have a validated PCM model. Preliminary results using whole-building energy analysis show that careful analysis should be done when designing PCMs in homes, as their thermal performance depends on several variables such as PCM properties and location in the building envelope.
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