Estimation of the Thermal Properties of PCMs through Inverse Modelling

AbstractEven though the use of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) is promising to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, their application in the building sector is still very limited. One of the obstacles to the diffusion of PCMs is the lack of information regarding their thermo-physical properties. A method for estimating the specific heat-temperature curve of a PCM through inverse modelling is herewith presented. This method combined experimental data with a numerical tool able to simulate multilayer walls with the inclusion of PCM materials. Results were validated against tests on different samples and discussed in comparison with a low-speed DSC measurement