Low-energy Passive Thermal Conditioning for Social Housing

Abstract

This study evaluates the performance of a hybrid system as a low-energy alternative for passive thermal conditioning, integrating a paraffin-based phase change material (PCM) and a silica aerogel thermal insulation into a metal ceiling panel, for application in social housing in Atotonilco el Grande, Hidalgo. The methodology combines a systematic literature review and an analysis of the region's climatic conditions, which were incorporated into numerical simulations using the Finite Element Method (FEM) to complement the development of the system. The simulations made it possible to validate the physical behaviors of the materials, including thermal conductivity, density, melting temperature, latent heat of fusion, and thermal convection, as well as thermal comfort within the dwelling. The results show that the integration of PCM and aerogel reduces energy consumption by approximately 29.6% in climates with high heating and cooling demand, representing annual energy cost savings of up to 16,910 RMB. The aerogel acts as a thermal insulator with a conductivity of 0.020 W/mK, retaining more than 90% of the heat flux, which favors the PCM in storing and releasing energy more efficiently, releasing it as the indoor temperature of the dwelling decreases. The economic analysis indicates that, although the system demonstrates technical viability in climates with high energy demand, the payback periods vary significantly by region, ranging from 18 years in cold climates to longer periods in temperate climates. This finding is particularly relevant for the context of Atotonilco el Grande, where 52.4% of the population lives in poverty and access to conventional climate control systems is limited. As the final part of the project, a comparison with conventional heating and air conditioning systems is carried out, analyzing energy consumption and return on investment.