Analysis of the Energy Impact of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) Integrated into Radiant Floor Heating in Cold Climates: A Case Study in Oslo

B25UTV02

Claudia Martinez Garcia

Claudia Martinez Garcia

Innholdsfortegnelse

Om prosjektet

This project examines the use of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in radiant floor heating systems to enhance energy efficiency in cold climates, focusing on a case study of an apartment in Oslo, Norway. The apartment, currently under construction, is modeled using IDA ICE simulation software to explore how different PCM configurations affect energy consumption and indoor thermal comfort. The project specifically aims to:

  • Simulate various PCM configurations, adjusting factors like thickness and placement. - Assess energy performance and indoor comfort across different setups.
  • Investigate how PCM integration can lower heating demand during Oslo’s harsh winters, contributing to energy efficiency. Simulations show that integrating PCMs into the apartment's floor system results in the following benefits:
    • Enhanced thermal comfort by stabilizing indoor temperatures, reducing the need for active heating.
    • A slight reduction in overall energy consumption and more consistent use of energy, which aligns with the goal of energy efficiency improvement through Phase Change Materials.
    • A sustainable solution that helps stabilize indoor temperatures and potentially improves the overall energy efficiency of the heating system without significant cost increases.

This research is part of the SNUG project, which focuses on the development of sustainable building materials and energy-efficient solutions using a circular economy approach. As part of this project, a real-world bathroom mock-up test is being conducted, comparing energy consumption between a room with PCM-enhanced mortar and one without. This parallel experiment provides valuable data to validate the results from the simulations.

Bilder:

  1. The apartment render

  2. Statistics

Prosjektdeltakere

Claudia Martinez Garcia

Om oppdragsgiveren

Østfold University College, Faculty of engineering

Veileder

Susana Garcia, Østfold University College

Publisert 4. juni 2025 09:18 - Sist endret 4. juni 2025 09:18