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Phase change materials (PCMs) are commonly employed in TES systems due to their ability to store and release substantial latent heat during phase transitions. Typically, PCMs are passively integrated into building envelopes to reduce thermal demand or incorporated into HVAC systems to lower operating costs. However, these applications do not actively improve the operational efficiency of building energy systems. Considering that chillers are the most energy-intensive components in HVAC systems and their coefficient of performance (COP) is highly dependent on the partial load ratio (PLR), this study proposes an active load regulation strategy to enhance chiller energy efficiency. A PCM-based load regulator was designed to integrate with an air handling unit (AHU), charging or discharging in response to AHU load variations to maintain the chiller’s operation within a high-COP range. The energy-saving rates of four chiller brands were analyzed, showing that chillers with COP-PLR curves that rise and then fall achieved the highest energy-saving potential, with a maximum energy-saving rate of 26.19%. This study provides a valuable reference for optimizing flexible load regulation and improving energy efficiency in HVAC systems.

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Research and Development of Active Load Regulation Strategy and PCM-Based Load Regulator for HVAC Systems

  • 会议论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Yuyang Gong,
  • Hang Wan,
  • Yujiao Du,
  • Gongsheng Huang

摘要

Phase change materials (PCMs) are commonly employed in TES systems due to their ability to store and release substantial latent heat during phase transitions. Typically, PCMs are passively integrated into building envelopes to reduce thermal demand or incorporated into HVAC systems to lower operating costs. However, these applications do not actively improve the operational efficiency of building energy systems. Considering that chillers are the most energy-intensive components in HVAC systems and their coefficient of performance (COP) is highly dependent on the partial load ratio (PLR), this study proposes an active load regulation strategy to enhance chiller energy efficiency. A PCM-based load regulator was designed to integrate with an air handling unit (AHU), charging or discharging in response to AHU load variations to maintain the chiller’s operation within a high-COP range. The energy-saving rates of four chiller brands were analyzed, showing that chillers with COP-PLR curves that rise and then fall achieved the highest energy-saving potential, with a maximum energy-saving rate of 26.19%. This study provides a valuable reference for optimizing flexible load regulation and improving energy efficiency in HVAC systems.