An Explicit Finite Element Method for Thermal Simulations of Buildings with Phase Change Materials

The thermal performance of building envelopes is essential for comfort and the reduction energy requirements. Phase change materials (PCMs) implemented in can improve performance. An explicit finite element method (ex-FEM) has been developed based on a previous study to investigate heat transfer through walls with installed PCMs. For verification, we introduce an electrical circuit analogy (ECA) method. model validation, at first, COMSOL used. comparison, data were collected from experiments using small hotbox, part sides are covered by PCMs different configurations. This work shows how ex-FEM predict wall’s temperature profile without incorporated PCM. With implementation PCMs, problematizes unpredictable influences modeling. In addition, introduces results simulations sequencing PCM layers wall construction.