COMSOL-Based Comparative Study of PCM and Non-PCM Roof Configurations

Categories: Composite Materials, COMSOL Multiphysics, Concrete structure, Engineering files, Finite Element, Heat Transfer, Steel structure

Serko Engineering

Level

Intermediate
Last Updated

September 10, 2025
Certificate

Certificate of completion

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1. How to model a reinforced concrete roof system integrated with PCM capsules using COMSOL Multiphysics.
2. The process of setting up empty, air-filled, and PCM (OM35 & OM37) domains for comparative analysis.
3. Applying solar heat flux and transient thermal boundary conditions in a real-world building simulation.
4. Using the enthalpy method to model phase change and latent heat storage.
5. Interpreting temperature–time graphs to evaluate thermal regulation effectiveness.
6. Comparing performance of PCMs against non-PCM cases to identify optimal materials for energy-efficient building design.

About Course

This project focuses on the thermal performance evaluation of a reinforced concrete roof integrated with phase change materials (PCMs) using COMSOL Multiphysics. Four cases were studied: an empty domain, an air-filled domain, and two PCMs (OM35 and OM37) encapsulated in aluminum spheres. A transient 48-hour simulation was carried out to analyze temperature fluctuations under solar loading. Results show that the empty and air-filled domains experienced the highest peak temperatures, while both PCMs reduced heat penetration by absorbing latent heat. Among them, OM37 demonstrated superior thermal regulation, maintaining lower peak temperatures and sustaining energy storage for longer durations. The project highlights how PCM integration significantly enhances thermal comfort and energy efficiency in building applications.