Comparative analysis of PCM configurations for energy-efficient air conditioning systems: A case study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Faculty Engineering Year: 2026
Type of Publication: ZU Hosted Pages:
Authors:
Journal: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering Elsevier Volume: Volume 65, January 2025, 105691
Keywords : Comparative analysis , , configurations , energy-efficient , conditioning systems:    
Abstract:
This study examines the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCM) with air conditioning (AC) systems to address the challenge of high energy consumption in buildings, particularly in hot climates such as Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The PCM unit is employed before the AC condenser as an air cooler. Three scenarios are conducted: a base AC without PCM and an AC with flat and corrugated PCM plates. Through numerical simulation and experimental validation, the study demonstrates optimistic improvements in system performance. The integration of PCM resulted in annual energy savings of 7.6 % and 8.6 % for corrugated and flat PCM structures, respectively. The cooling effect lasted approximately 7 h during summer months, with maximum air temperature differentials across the PCM unit of around 3 °C observed in July and August for the corrugated PCM structure. The study employed comprehensive thermodynamic analysis and computational fluid dynamics to evaluate system performance across different summer months conditions. Results show that PCM integration effectively reduces peak cooling loads and improves overall system efficiency. The findings demonstrate that both PCM configurations offer viable solutions for enhancing AC system performance in hot climates, with the flat PCM showing slightly superior energy savings despite the corrugated design's better initial cooling performance.
   
     
 
       

Author Related Publications

  • Mohamed Nasser Elsayed Amin, "Heat transfer performance evaluation in circular tubes via internal repeated ribs with entropy and exergy analysis", Elsevier, 2018 More
  • Mohamed Nasser Elsayed Amin, "Towards clean energy independence: Assessing MENA region hybrid PV-wind solutions for green hydrogen generation and storage and 24/7 power production", Elsevier, 2025 More
  • Mohamed Nasser Elsayed Amin, "4E assessment of all-day clean electricity generation systems based on green hydrogen integrated system using PV and PVT solar collectors and wind turbines", Elsevier, 2025 More
  • Mohamed Nasser Elsayed Amin, "Biomass valorization in green hydrogen production, storage and transportation using low and high-temperature water electrolyzers: A thermo-economic approach", Elsevier, 2025 More
  • Mohamed Nasser Elsayed Amin, "Towards net-zero carbon cooling: A comprehensive study on PCM-integrated condenser and green hydrogen power supply in air conditioning systems", Elsevier, 2025 More

Department Related Publications

  • Mohamed Lotfy Elsayed Abdelkreem, "THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF FLAT PLATE HEAT SINK WITH ATTACHED HEAT SHIELD", Zagazig University, 2012 More
  • Mohamed Lotfy Elsayed Abdelkreem, "Effect of a Slotted Shield on Thermal and Hydraulic Performance of a Heat Sink", ASME, 2014 More
  • Saliem Abdelaziz Saliem Anose, "Role of hybrid nanoparticles on thermal, electrical conductivity, microstructure, and hardness behavior of nanocomposite matrix", Elsevier B.V., 2021 More
  • Saliem Abdelaziz Saliem Anose, "Numerical Investigation of Flow and Heat Transfer over a Shallow Cavity: Effect of Cavity Height Ratio", MDPI, 2021 More
  • Saliem Abdelaziz Saliem Anose, "Thermodynamic Analysis of Partitioned Combined Cycle using Simple Gases", MDPI, 2019 More
Tweet