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Integrating Radiant Cooling Ceilings with Ternary PCM Thermal Storage: A Synergistic Approach for Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Photovoltaic-Powered Buildings

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  • Zhuoyi Ling

    (School of Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Tianhong Zheng

    (Department of Architecture & Built Environment, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Qinghua Lv

    (School of Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Yuehong Su

    (Department of Architecture & Built Environment, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Hui Lv

    (School of Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
    School of Physics and Mechanical & Electronical Engineering, Institute for Functional Materials, Hubei University of Education, Wuhan 430205, China)

  • Saffa Riffat

    (Department of Architecture & Built Environment, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

Abstract

Traditional photovoltaic-powered forced air-cooling systems face significant challenges in balancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort due to temperature sensitivity, mechanical ventilation energy consumption, and spatial constraints. This study aims to enhance building energy efficiency by integrating a radiant cooling ceiling (RCC) with a phase change material (PCM) thermal storage system, addressing the limitations of traditional photovoltaic-powered cooling systems through optimized material design and dynamic energy management. A ternary PCM mixture (glycerol–alcohol–water) was optimized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), demonstrating superior latent heat storage (361.66 J/g) and phase transition temperature (1.91 °C) in the selected “Slushy Ice” formulation. A 3D transient thermal model and experimental validation revealed that the RCC system achieved 57% energy savings under quasi-steady operation, with radiative heat transfer contributing 55% of total cooling capacity. The system dynamically stores cold energy during peak photovoltaic generation and releases it via RCC during low-power periods, resolving the “cooling energy consumption paradox”. Key challenges, including PCM cycling stability and thermal response time mismatches, were identified, with future research directions emphasizing multi-scale simulations and intelligent encapsulation. This work provides a viable pathway for improving building energy efficiency while maintaining thermal comfort and for improving building energy efficiency in temperate zones, with future extensions to arid and tropical climates requiring targeted material and system optimizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhuoyi Ling & Tianhong Zheng & Qinghua Lv & Yuehong Su & Hui Lv & Saffa Riffat, 2025. "Integrating Radiant Cooling Ceilings with Ternary PCM Thermal Storage: A Synergistic Approach for Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Photovoltaic-Powered Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:9:p:2237-:d:1644451
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ioan Sarbu & Calin Sebarchievici, 2018. "A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Energy Storage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-32, January.
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