The most important step to tap the full potential of this technology is to individually plan your project and select the most suitable PCM product for it. The following tools might help you with this task.
Our members will provide you with specific data required for planning and simulation on request.
Planning & simulation tools
Simulation Software for Hybrid Latent Heat Storage Systems
Provided by: Prof. Bernd Boiting
The software can be used to simulate hybrid thermal energy storage systems (TES). Retrofit systems that have been retrofitted with PCM objects in accordance with RAL GZ 896 as sensitive storage systems can also be simulated and designed. In the open version, any storage systems, PCM objects, and PCM can be defined and dimensioned under laboratory conditions or simulated under real dynamic operating conditions. The program can be tested in the freely available DEMO version. The open program, which has unlimited functionality, can be requested by email (see Support in the DEMO version).
The Simulation Software for Hybrid Latent Heat Storage Systems can be downloaded at https://www.boiting.de/download/Hybrid-Latent-Heatstorage-Setup.msi
Heat Simulation for Building Tool
Provided by: Orange Climate
With the Heat Simulation for Building tool, Orange Climate offers an easy to use, online and fast tool to calculate the impact of applying PCM in building concepts. In the background, the software calculates energy flows for transmission, solar irradiation, internal heat and HVAC against thermal mass and PCM application on a dynamic, minute per minute basis. This is being calculated based on the finite element model from Dr. Paassen, Delft University of Technology. With this tool, both parties with and without experience in building and HVAC design can get an understanding of the impact on comfort and energy by applying PCM concepts.
You will find the Heat Simulation for Building Tool at https://tools.orangeclimate.com/tekentool/?lang=en
EnergyPlus
Provided by: U.S. Department of Energy
EnergyPlus™ is a whole building energy simulation program that engineers, architects, and researchers use to model both energy consumption – for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and plug and process loads – and water use in buildings. There are numerous features and capabilities available to tailor the simulation to your specific needs.
You will find more information at https://energyplus.net/
ESP-r
Provided by: University of Strathclyde
ESP-r (Environmental Systems Performance – Research) is a modelling tool for building performance simulation. In undertaking its assessments, the system is equipped to model heat, air, moisture, light and electrical power flow at user specified spatial and temporal resolution. The system is designed for the Linux operating system, but can also be run on Windows platforms both directly or within the Cygwin environment.
You will find more information at https://www.strath.ac.uk/research/energysystemsresearchunit/applications/esp-r/
TRNSYS
Provided by: Thermal Energy System Specialists, LLC
TRNSYS is a complete and extensible simulation environment for the transient simulation of thermal systems including multi-zone buildings.
It is used by engineers and researchers around the world to validate new energy concepts, from simple solar domestic hot water systems to the design and simulation of buildings and their equipment, including control strategies, occupant behaviour, alternative energy systems (wind, solar, photovoltaic, hydrogen systems), etc. Throughout its thirty year history TRNSYS has been under continual enhancement by an international group.
You will find more information at https://www.trnsys.com/