The Influence of Glazing on the Functioning of a Trombe Wall Containing a Phase Change Material

Abstract

Among the technological solutions for external walls, the Trombe wall is an interesting proposition for obtaining solar radiation energy. The aim of the presented research is to determine the influence of glazing parameters on the thermal performance of the Trombe wall containing a phase change material (PCM). In the experimental tests, three glazing (G1, G2, and G3) with different heat transfer coefficient (Ug) and total solar energy transmittance factor (g) were used. The tests were carried out under laboratory conditions in a small-scale simulation chamber. The thermal energy of absorbed solar radiation was simulated with a heating panel. All of the walls are characterized by high dynamics of operation in the first two days. From the moment of heating, the walls achieve the minimum value of the heat flux after 16–18 h. In practice, this means the highest thermal efficiency of the wall during the night of the next day. A noticeable influence of the type of glazing on the operation of the barrier was found. The obtained results suggest that the most effective barrier for “sunny days” is the B1 barrier. The B2 barrier is suitable for alternating days in the cycle: “sunny day”, “cloudy day”. However, the B3 barrier is the most advantageous in periods with a predominance of “cloudy days”. In addition to the experimental studies, a numerical model of the B1 barrier was developed and simulation was carried out using the finite element method. The simulation results were consistent with the experimental tests. The second numerical simulation confirmed the rightness of using the heating panel in experimental tests.