Monolithic Masonry with PCM for Thermal Management

AbstractNew buildings as well as refurbished old buildings have to meet more and more tightened requirements on energy efficiency. Since the overall heat transfer coefficient represents the most important criterion in assessing thermal performance of the envelope, lightweight constructions with low thermal conductivity are favored. Undesired phenomena like overheating in summer are tackled by phase change materials (PCM) applied at different locations in the building envelope. This work addresses monolithic brick masonry with different PCM placed near outer surface to take advantage of solar loads. Thermal performance is analyzed and compared to a monolithic masonry and an external thermal insulation system featuring the same U-value by means of numerical simulation under a realistic outer climate. A positive impact has been found on the heat flux at inner surface and the temperature profile along the cross section, while the heat balance of a whole year shows no improvement. Temperature swing on outer surface is reduced and heat flux on inner surface is smoothened during certain periods