The effect of Nano-phase change materials on hydronic floor heating system in temperate and humid climate

In this paper, phase change material (PCM) was utilized in the hydronic floor heating system for house heating in the winter. The outdoor temperature was considered moderate and humid, as the climate in North of Iran. The effect of hot water temperature in tubes, transition temperature, latent heat and finally thermal conductivity of PCMs are investigated and the operating characteristics of the system were compared with that of the non- phase change energy storage system. The results showed that the PCM stabilized temperature within the room and decreased energy consumption. Latent heat of PCM found to have a minor effect on room temperature, whereas increase in the transition temperature of PCM caused increase of the lagging time between outside and inside room temperatures. Increasing the thermal conductivity of the PCM, the rise of room temperature per unit time was accelerated, in addition, increasing the weight fraction of Nano particles in PCM was dampened the amplitude of room temperature variation during the day. Therefore, using Nano-PCM was found to be of great significance for house heating and comfort condition of occupants.