Iranian Journal of Chemical Engineering (IJChE)
Scientific Journal

The Effect of the Thermal Behavior of RT22HC Phase Change Material on Double-Skin Facades in Cold Climates

Document Type : Regular Article

Authors

Pouya Mavaddati 1
Allahbakhsh Kavoosi 2

1 Faculty of Engineering, School of Art and Architecture, Razi university, Kermanshah, Iran

2 Faculty of Engineering, School of Art and Architecture, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijche.2026.561894.1580
Abstract
Given the high share of energy consumption in the building sector and the need to enhance thermal performance in cold climates, this study investigates the effect of the paraffin-based phase change material RT22HC on improving the thermal efficiency of a double-skin building facade. This material has a melting temperature in the range of 20–23°C (peak 22°C) and a latent heat storage capacity of about 190 kJ/kg, which enables storing and releasing heat at an approximately constant temperature. The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of removing thermal insulation and replacing it with an air cavity containing PCM on heating and cooling loads during cold periods in the city of Tabriz. Energy modeling was performed using DB software, and the heat transfer analysis was conducted with the Finite Difference algorithm. Three scenarios were examined: a base facade; a double-skin facade with PCM and thermal insulation; and a double-skin facade with PCM and an air cavity. The results showed that in the third case, the melting and solidification mechanism of RT22HC reduced heat flux and increased temperature stability; such that the annual sensible heat load decreased from 27276.61 kWh to 9985.8 kWh (equivalent to 63%). Moreover, indoor temperature fluctuations and mean radiant temperature differences decreased, improving thermal comfort conditions. Overall, the low thermal conductivity (0.2 W/m·K) and high heat capacity of PCM led to proposing this material as an effective substitute for conventional thermal insulations in DSF facades in cold climates.

Keywords

RT22HC, Phase change material, Thermal Energy Storage, Heat Transfer Mechanism, Double-skin faç
ade

Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Chemical Engineering (IJChE)
Volume 22, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 83-103

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