Application analysis of active phase change material radiant floor heating system in cold zone during cooling season

This paper investigates the application of horizontal ground heat exchanger coupled with active phase change material (PCM) radiant floor heating system in cold zone during the cooling season. The objective is to assess the feasibility of this system for summer cooling while satisfying the winter heating requirement. A PCM floor simulation model is developed in TRNSYS 18, and appropriate control strategies are implemented to address condensation risks and humidity control. The results indicate that the system demonstrates superior performance during the cooling season. Compared with a conventional fan-coil unit combined with natural ventilation, the proposed system offers enhanced thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and economy. During system operation, the PMV values for occupied periods remain stable between -0.2 and 0.5, with total operational energy consumption amounting to 448.6 kW·h, representing an 83.1% reduction compared with that of the conventional system. The operational cost is only 17% of that of the conventional system. This paper provides a viable technical approach for summer cooling in residential buildings in cold zone and offers an innovative solution for the design and operational optimization of low-carbon building energy systems.