SIMULATION OF THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE: STUDY OF SYSTEM OF PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS INCORPORATED INTO BUILDING BRICKS

Based on energy conservation equations, a heat transfer model has been performed and numerically solved to study the thermal response of a brick filled of phase change materials (PCM-brick). Energy conservation equations have been developed and discretized. A simulation platform has been developed to produce dynamic simulations of incorporated PCM thermal behavior. The developed tool permits to carry out simulations for several materials that are included in the associated database. The behavior of the temperature inside of the PCM-brick has been evaluated and compared to that of an empty hollow brick. The effects of PCM type, incorporated quantity and location within the brick on the thermal response of this structure have been discussed.