Phase change materials for passive cooling of buildings in tropics

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are capable to absorb massive heat during phase transition in a narrow temperature range. PCMs have the potential to be used in the building envelope to reduce the heat transferred into indoor environment and to achieve cooling energy savings of HVAC system. However, the efficiency and selection of PCM are subject to the climate where it is applied. This study focused on the efficacy of PCMs applied to building envelope for passive cooling in tropical climate, Singapore for example. This study was conducted by using a whole building energy simulation program, EnergyPlus. PCM applied to an air-conditioned concrete cubicle was studied followed by parametric studies on phase change temperature, temperature range of phase change, shape of enthalpy profile, location and thickness of PCM to optimize the efficiency of PCM for passive cooling. In addition, the potential synergy to apply PCM with the advanced coating system, such as solar reflective paint and thermal insulation paint was investigated to further improve the performance for cooling energy savings. The main objective of this study is to provide informative knowledge and guideline to the design and application of PCMs in tropical climate for passive cooling of buildings.