Validation of a PCM simulation tool in IDA ICE dynamic building simulation software using experimental data from Solar Test Boxes

This work aims to provide a method to validate a PCM tool implemented in a whole building dynamic simulation software (IDA ICE) using outdoor measurements coming from Solar Test Boxes (STB). The STB method was originally conceived by ESTER lab at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, to evaluate thermal characteristics of transparent and semi transparent materials in outdoor conditions. In the approach presented here two boxes (reference and test) were equipped with a standard double glass pane. A PCM pane, provided by RUBITHERM®, was put on the floor of the test box. Two monitoring campaigns were carried out and the thermal behaviour of the box with PCM was analyzed and compared with the thermal behaviour of the reference box. Temperature trends measured inside the “PCM box” were used to validate the PCM behaviour provided by the IDA ICE tool, comparing measured and simulated data.