Modeling and simulation on the thermal performance of shape-stabilized phase change material floor used in passive solar buildings

Shape-stabilized phase change material (PCM) is a kind of novel PCM. It has the following salient features: large apparent specific heat for phase change temperature region, suitable thermal conductivity, no container. In the present paper, a kind of shape-stabilized PCM floor is put forward which can absorb the solar radiation energy in the daytime and release the heat at night in winter. Therefore, in winter the indoor climate can be improved and the energy consumption for space heating may be greatly reduced. A model of analyzing the thermal performance of this shape-stabilized PCM floor is developed. By using the modeling, the influence of various factors (thickness of PCM layer, melting temperature, heat of fusion, thermal conductivity of PCM, etc.) on the room thermal performance was analyzed. The model was verified by the experimental results. The model and the analysis are helpful for the application of shape-stabilized PCM floor in solar buildings.