An optimisation study of PCM triple glazing for temperate climatic conditions – Dynamic analysis of thermal performance

PCM-windows can play an important role in the protection of buildings against overheating but also as systems for effective storage of solar energy. The presented study indicated the optimal solution for the triple-glazed window where one cavity is fullfilled with phase change material (PCM) in temperate climatic conditions characteristic for Poland. Regarding different thicknesses, positions, and temperatures of phase change material, the a recommended solution was determined using the simulation technique. The computational model was developed, numerically verified, and experimentally validated. The entire meteorological year analyses were done for the climatic conditions of Central Europe, considering windows exposed to facing the South. The optimal solution was determined using two methods - the Weighted Sum method and the Fuzzy Sets method. Both point out a variant with a PCM layer located in the inner cavity and the average melting temperature of PCM equal to 25 °C. However, different criteria and sets of linguistic variables in fuzzy sets determined different optimal PCM thicknesses ranging from 5 to 20 mm.