Effect of Phase Change Materials on Indoor Air Temperature in the Mediterranean Climate

Abstract

Utilizing phase change materials in buildings can increase residence satisfactory and energy saving. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of phase change materials on building indoor air temperature fluctuation under Mediterranean climate. Different types of phase change materials, encapsulation and incorporations into building fabrics methods as well as the most common simulation software are presented. Specific phase change material, called RT31, is simulated as a lining layer on all interior sides of construction elements in a duplex building with 180 m2 total floor area in Energy Plus software in the summer period (June to October). Finally, it is concluded that the mean indoor air temperature was reduced by 1.8% and peaks of temperature fluctuation curve became more smooth.