Comparison of Thermal Energy Storage in a Single and a Hybrid PCM

Heat storage using phase change materials is an interesting way to improve the energy efficiency of a building. In this regard, we conduct a numerical study in order to analyze the thermal behavior of two samples of microencapsulated PCMs embedded in plasterboard, the first with a single PCM and the second with a hybrid PCM. While the phase change occurs at a given temperature level for the single PCM, it occurs at two different melting temperatures within a small temperature range for the hybrid PCM, which increases storage performance and storage time. A new mathematical model that handles the phase change at two different melting temperatures based on the enthalpy method is used. The phenomenon is solved numerically by means of the finite volume method. A computer code is implemented utilizing a fully implicit scheme. Simulation results show that the use of a hybrid PCM improves stored energy by 12% and increases storage time by 56%.