Experimental investigation of free cooling using phase change material-filled air heat exchanger for energy efficiency in buildings

ABSTRACT In the present work, the ability for storing useful energy available in the night time ambient air in a flat modular type phase change material (PCM)-based storage type heat exchanger and retrieving the same for daytime cooling requirements was experimentally investigated. A cabin with an area of 64 ft2 was constructed and free cooling feasibility for the built cabin was investigated using the ambient conditions that prevail in Pune city, India. Considering the climatic conditions of Pune city, HS 29 (commercial PCM) was chosen as the PCM. Several charging/discharging experiments were conducted in order to analyse the solidification/melting characteristics of the chosen PCM. The temperature variation, instantaneous and cumulative heat transfer during both the charging and discharging experiments were evaluated and reported. From the results obtained it is inferred that an average reduction of 2.5°C in the room temperature was achieved in the present investigation. Also, it is understood that free cooling potential can further be increased by reducing the losses and the requirement of mechanical air conditioners may totally be eliminated if free cooling technology is integrated with the other passive cooling concepts such as evaporative cooling and nocturnal radiative cooling systems.

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