raw · papers · ingested 2026-07-02
Experimental analysis of the energy performance of a full-scale PCM glazing prototype (Goia et al., Solar Energy 2014)
confidence: high
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0038092X13005197
Source: Goia, Perino, Serra, Solar Energy 100 (2014). Peer-reviewed; abstract/snippet (full text paywalled). Credibility: High — the most-cited full-scale fill-and-seal PCM glazing experiment.
Key points
- Build: double-glazed unit — 8 mm outer glass, 15 mm PCM cavity, 6 mm inner clear glass; cavity simply filled with paraffin RT35 (melt ~35 °C).
- Optics: paraffin translucent when solid → transparent when molten; daylight transmission tracks charge state.
- Method: 6-month outdoor campaign (summer→winter), surface temps + transmitted irradiance vs a reference glazing.
- Result: measurable improvement in indoor thermal environment, effect growing with solar irradiation.
- DIY lessons: match melt point to comfort band; expect transparency to change with charge; seal the cavity against paraffin. Note RT35 melt (35 °C) is above comfort — a DIY comfort panel wants RT21–RT25.