Indoor thermal performance enhancement of commercial building through integration of PCM insulation ventilation strategies

Abstract

The role of any building structure is to save occupants from harsh environments. Space heating or cooling accounts for 35% of the total energy consumed in buildings. Mechanical air-conditioners are traditional ways to ensure thermal comfort, but they are more energy-consuming and detrimental to ecological systems. Energy-efficient buildings could effectively reduce the energy consumption in buildings. The thermal performance of buildings could be enhanced by optimizing building design, utilizing passive energy systems, utilizing thermal energy storage systems, improving the efficiency of sensors, control systems, etc. Buildings enhanced with energy storage are preferred because of their capability of storing energy when it is available and releasing it later on, when required. Energy storage in buildings could be enhanced by increasing the building s thermal mass through phase change material integration. Also, thermal insulation of a building significantly reduces the building s energy consumption, whereas implementing natural ventilation strategies in buildings allows more fresh air. newlineThe current pandemic demands natural ventilation over air-conditioned spaces to reduce the spread of the infection. The present work aims to enhance the indoor air quality through fresh air circulation in commercial buildings while providing adequate thermal comfort to the occupants. The main objective of this work is to assess the potential of PCM and/or insulation materials towards achieving the required thermal comfort of the occupants of naturally ventilated office buildings located in different climates in India. newline