Systematic literature review of software tools for modeling heat transfer in phase change materials for building applications

Abstract

Abstract New buildings in the European Union must attain nearly zero-energy status, emphasizing minimal energy consumption, partly met by on-site or nearby renewable sources. However, the fluctuating nature of on-site renewables poses a challenge, necessitating effective energy storage solutions. Addressing this, the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in building envelopes emerges as a promising trend. PCMs efficiently store excess thermal energy during abundance and release it when renewable generation falls short, ensuring a consistent energy supply. Introducing novel building components is time-intensive, with on-site testing demanding substantial resources. Numerical studies offer an efficient alternative, making modeling tools crucial. These tools facilitate exploration of design concepts under diverse conditions, allowing iterative refinement and optimization. This paper conducts a systematic literature review evaluating five prominent software programs—COMSOL, ANSYS, MATLAB, EnergyPlus, and TRNSYS—designed for modeling heat transfer within PCMs for building applications. In closer detail paper explores the use of ANSYS for heat transfer analysis for phase change materials.