A weather forecast-based control for the improvement of PCM enhanced radiant floors

Significant energy savings and thermal comfort improvement related to radiant floor systems may not be achieved when underfloor heating/cooling is adopted in lightweight building envelopes. Phase change materials (PCMs) are suitable candidates for providing the necessary inertia with a minimum effect on construction technology. Impacting variables like internal heat gains, weather conditions dynamic price require adoption of advanced control strategies ensure maximise benefits PCMs. Despite potential model predictive using prediction data has been widely examined by literature, there lack studies experimentally analysing their implementation PCM enhanced systems. Within H2020 European project IDEAS integration PCMs system was University Ferrara through numerical experimental investigation. A first prototype then installed small characterised low capacity. Analysis monitoring heating period showed that solar radiation strongly impacts envelope short time. Without control, contribution slowly reduced its flux during transition, together resulted an excessive increase indoor air temperature, wasting saving potential. The aim study evaluation strategy improve management relation forthcoming buildings. routine implemented corresponding TRNSYS. Results estimated achievable equal about 4% 8% cooling demand respectively.