Feasibility of PCM slurry for improved thermal efficiency of an historic public building in Ireland

Abstract

Using a case study approach, this body of research investigated the issue of energy use and thermal comfort in historic buildings. The purpose of this research was to evaluate if the addition of the latent heat storage material microencapsulated phase change material slurry to the central heating system of a historic building could reduce energy consumption and increase the thermal comfort of the occupants. The investigation centered around a field experiment exploring the influence of different heating systems on a test room, the results were then inferred to a protected public building. The results showed a slowdown in the rate of cooling during the testing of the subject material and a reduction in the number of heating cycles required.