Experimental and numerical investigation on reinforced cement concrete roof slab integrated with phase change material for mitigating heat transfer in building

Abstract

The present study investigates the thermal behaviour of building roof newlineslabs integrated with phase change material (PCM) for mitigating heat newlinetransfer within the building without compromising the structural integrity of newlinereinforced concrete (RCC) roof slabs. The PCM integrated in the roof slab newlineutilizes latent heat to store and release thermal energy during a 24-hour cycle. newlineDuring peak periods, the PCM absorbs and stores heat energy to reduce heat newlineflow into the building, thereby lowering energy consumption in the building. newlineThe PCM was integrated into the roof slab in a way that facilitates PCM newlinemaintenance and heat dissipation. newlineExperimental analysis were conducted on two identical building newlinestructures with and without PCM integration in the RCC roof slabs during two newlinestages from March to August 2021 and April to July 2022 in Chennai, India. newlinePure phase change material (HS29) with a melting temperature of 29°C was newlineintegrated into the building roof slab during the hot period of March to newlineAugust 2021. Aluminum panels were used to store the PCM and placed inside newlinethe RCC roof slabs. Results showed that the PCM-integrated roof slab newlinereduced heat flux by up to 53% compared to the non-PCM roof slab on the newlineday with the highest temperature recorded (18th May 2021) during the newlineexperimental period. Moreover, the PCM-filled roof slab resulted in an newlineaverage reduction of 2°C in room temperature compared to that of a non-PCM newlinefilled roof slab. newline