Parametric Analysis and Life Cycle Cost Assessment for Optimizing PCM Application in Exterior Walls in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
dc.contributor.author | Alamri, Uthman Abdullah | en |
dc.contributor.committeechair | Jones, James R. | en |
dc.contributor.committeemember | Alkahlan, Bandar Sulaiman | en |
dc.contributor.committeemember | Markovic Graff, Aleksandra | en |
dc.contributor.committeemember | McGinnis, Sean | en |
dc.contributor.committeemember | Russell, Jennifer Dianne | en |
dc.contributor.department | Architecture | en |
dc.date.accessioned | 2024-12-20T09:01:45Z | en |
dc.date.available | 2024-12-20T09:01:45Z | en |
dc.date.issued | 2024-12-19 | en |
dc.description.abstract | The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) aims to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate its environmental impact as part of Vision 2030. The building sector has high energy consumption, particularly due to elevated cooling demands, which make up 70% of residential energy use. This is largely caused by uninsulated thermal mass and subsidized electricity rates. In addition, Vision 2030's housing projects and labor shortage necessitate alternatives to current housing standards. Modular housing offers a solution to the labor shortage, but its success depends on lighter materials. This study proposes replacing thermal mass with PCM in modular housing and, investigates this using EnergyPlus simulations. The research investigated the optimal placement and thickness of PCM to maximize its thermal performance in SIPs. PCM application reduced the model total site energy by 12.9% to 13.7% with a thickness of 0.5–2.0 cm and significantly reduced the HVAC energy consumption by 37% to 39%. In this study, we developed LCCA models to assess the cost-effectiveness of PCM by establishing a price range per square foot that aligns with the energy savings that are usable in the KSA. This study also identified the maximum PCM production cost based on the LCCA analysis to ensure its investment use in KSA's construction industry. | en |
dc.description.abstractgeneral | KSA's Vision 2030 aims to reduce CO2 emissions and minimize environmental impact. The building sector brought researchers attention since the energy used in the residential type accounts for 70% of the energy for cooling. The cooling demands it because of the lack of proper insulation in buildings and the low electricity rate. The country aims under Vision 2030 to advance its housing projects and faces a labor shortage. The modular housing proposed in this situation represents a promising solution to KSA. However, modular homes need to be built with lighter materials, and this study explores the potential of replacing traditional heavy building materials with PCM in modular homes. PCM helps control indoor temperatures by absorbing and releasing heat, improving energy efficiency. The research used the energy simulation method to investigate and determine the optimal placement and thickness of PCM within SIPs. PCM utilization reduced the model total site energy by 12.9% to 13.7% when using a thickness of 0.5–2.0 cm PCM layer, which decreased HVAC energy consumption by 37% to 39%, respectively. The study also assessed the cost-effectiveness of PCM by determining a price range per square foot that aligns with the energy savings required for practical use in the KSA. Additionally, the maximum production cost of PCM was identified to ensure it is a worthwhile investment in the country's construction industry. | en |
dc.description.degree | Doctor of Philosophy | en |
dc.format.medium | ETD | en |
dc.identifier.other | vt_gsexam:41900 | en |
dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10919/123858 | en |
dc.language.iso | en | en |
dc.publisher | Virginia Tech | en |
dc.rights | In Copyright | en |
dc.rights.uri | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ | en |
dc.subject | Building Science | en |
dc.subject | Building Performance | en |
dc.subject | Phase Change Material | en |
dc.subject | Energy Simulation | en |
dc.title | Parametric Analysis and Life Cycle Cost Assessment for Optimizing PCM Application in Exterior Walls in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | en |
dc.type | Dissertation | en |
thesis.degree.discipline | Architecture and Design Research | en |
thesis.degree.grantor | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | en |
thesis.degree.level | doctoral | en |
thesis.degree.name | Doctor of Philosophy | en |
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