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Building Simulation 2023, 16(6): 813-829 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-023-0985-5
Cover Article | Open Access | Issue | Published: 13 February 2023

Development and validation of a transient simulation model of a full-scale PCM embedded radiant chilled ceiling

Show Author's Information Seyedmostafa Mousavi1,  Behzad Rismanchi1( ),  Stefan Brey2,  Lu Aye1
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Group, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT), The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
InvAus Pty Ltd., Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Keywords:
validation, phase change material (PCM), modelling and simulation, radiant cooling, ceiling panel
Cite this article:
Mousavi S, Rismanchi B, Brey S, et al. Development and validation of a transient simulation model of a full-scale PCM embedded radiant chilled ceiling. Building Simulation, 2023, 16(6): 813-829. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-023-0985-5
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Abstract Full text About this article

The recent significant rise in space cooling energy demand due to the massive use of air-conditioning systems has adversely changed buildings’ energy use patterns globally. The updated energy technology perspectives highlight the need for innovative cooling systems to address this growing cooling demand. Phase change material embedded radiant chilled ceiling (PCM-RCC) has lately acquired popularity as they offer more efficient space cooling together with further demand-side flexibility. Recent advancements in PCM-RCC applications have increased the necessity for reliable simulation models to assist professionals in identifying improved designs and operating settings. In this study, a transient simulation model of PCM-RCC has been developed and validated using measured data in a full-scale test cabin equipped with newly developed PCM ceiling panels. This model, developed in the TRNSYS simulation studio, includes Type 399 that uses the Crank-Nicolson algorithm coupled with the enthalpy function to solve transient heat transfer in PCM ceiling panels. The developed model is validated in both free-running and active operation modes, and its quality is then evaluated using several validation metrics. The results obtained in multiple operating scenarios confirm that the model simulates the transient behaviour of the PCM-RCC system with an accuracy within ±10%. Aided by this validated model, which offers the user detailed flexibilities in the system design and its associated operating schemas, PCM-RCC’s potentials regarding peak load shifting, energy savings, and enhanced thermal comfort can be investigated more reliably.


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Development and validation of a transient simulation model of a full-scale PCM embedded radiant chilled ceiling

Show Author's information Seyedmostafa Mousavi1, Behzad Rismanchi1( ), Stefan Brey2, Lu Aye1
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Group, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT), The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
InvAus Pty Ltd., Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

Abstract

The recent significant rise in space cooling energy demand due to the massive use of air-conditioning systems has adversely changed buildings’ energy use patterns globally. The updated energy technology perspectives highlight the need for innovative cooling systems to address this growing cooling demand. Phase change material embedded radiant chilled ceiling (PCM-RCC) has lately acquired popularity as they offer more efficient space cooling together with further demand-side flexibility. Recent advancements in PCM-RCC applications have increased the necessity for reliable simulation models to assist professionals in identifying improved designs and operating settings. In this study, a transient simulation model of PCM-RCC has been developed and validated using measured data in a full-scale test cabin equipped with newly developed PCM ceiling panels. This model, developed in the TRNSYS simulation studio, includes Type 399 that uses the Crank-Nicolson algorithm coupled with the enthalpy function to solve transient heat transfer in PCM ceiling panels. The developed model is validated in both free-running and active operation modes, and its quality is then evaluated using several validation metrics. The results obtained in multiple operating scenarios confirm that the model simulates the transient behaviour of the PCM-RCC system with an accuracy within ±10%. Aided by this validated model, which offers the user detailed flexibilities in the system design and its associated operating schemas, PCM-RCC’s potentials regarding peak load shifting, energy savings, and enhanced thermal comfort can be investigated more reliably.

Keywords: validation, phase change material (PCM), modelling and simulation, radiant cooling, ceiling panel

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Publication history

Received: 16 September 2022
Revised: 20 December 2022
Accepted: 27 December 2022
Published: 13 February 2023
Issue date: June 2023

Copyright

© The Author(s) 2023

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank their industry partner, InvAus Pty Ltd, for preparing the test cabin. The authors are also grateful to A/Prof. Stephen Livesley and Mr. Pui Kwan Cheung for providing weather data for the period of measurements, and Dr. Sheikh Khaleduzzaman Shah for helpful comments and suggestions. This work was conducted within the Department of Infrastructure Engineering as a part of the PhD thesis of the first author, who has been supported by the University of Melbourne’s Research Scholarship (MRS). This work was also partly enabled with the analytical support of the AuScope Subsurface Observatory Program via the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

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