Original Articles Open access

Development of a “PCM-in-container” energy storage model component for a possible building energy evaluation in TRNSYS 18

Authors

Published
20 March 2026
Section
Original Articles
DOI
10.4081/jae.2026.1936

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) offer a promising pathway toward net-zero energy buildings by enhancing thermal energy efficiency. By absorbing and storing heat during the day and releasing it at night, PCMs can reduce reliance on active heating and cooling systems. While PCMs have been widely studied both experimentally and numerically, limited research exists on configurations where PCM containers are in direct contact with surrounding air. This study developed a novel “PCM-in-container” component in TRNSYS 18 to simulate energy gains from such direct interactions. The component was integrated with greenhouse and weather modules in TRNSYS and validated experimentally using three model greenhouses containing air, water, and Vaseline as PCM substances. Model performance was assessed using R-squared (R²), correlation coefficient (CC), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). For water-based PCM, values of R² = 0.97, CC = 0.99, RMSE = 2.01°C, and MAE = 1.33°C were obtained, demonstrating strong model accuracy. The results showed that PCM-filled containers (e.g., structural or railing pipes) could increase nighttime greenhouse temperatures by up to 7°C. The developed component enables energy gain simulations and nighttime heating predictions, offering a valuable tool for greenhouse energy demand evaluation. Although the current model does not account for hysteresis, future work may incorporate this through modifications in the TRNSYS Fortran environment.

Keywords

Supporting Agencies

National Research Foundation of Korea

Data Availability Statement

The source code for the PCM component building and compilation can be found at https://github.com/users/cosmosopy/projects/1. Other data will be available on request.

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Author Biography

  • Qazeem Opeyemi Ogunlowo, Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu

    Department of Agricultural and Bioenvironmental Engineering, Federal College of Agriculture Ibadan, Nigeria

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