Dynamic Parameters to Characterize the Thermal Behaviour of a Layer Subject to Periodic Phase Changes

The dynamic parameters used to characterize a monophase layer are not sufficient to describe how the temperature and heat flux trends in transfer through a layer subject to phase change are modified. Furthermore, a PCM due to the effect of latent heat associated with the phase change significantly modifies the heat storage capacity of the wall. The proposed parameters are determined by means of an explicit finite difference numerical model, considering PCM with different melting temperatures and thermophysical properties. The boundary conditions are such that one or more bi-phase interfaces originate in the layer. These parameters can be used for the thermal design of innovative walls in air-conditioned buildings with the aim of reducing power peaks entering the indoor environment, or to reduce thermal requirements, or to improve the thermal comfort within the building.