Evaluate the improvement of windcatcher performance using phase change materials in its envelopes, Hot and dry, Yazd

Windcatcher is one of the essential elements of traditional Iranian architecture that improve the natural ventilation in building as a passive solution. In this regard, it seems that the use of thermal mass, especially the latent heat method to save energy using phase change materials (PCM) improve the windcatcher performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of PCM on windcatcher envelope to improving air temperature of building. The research evaluated by Computer simulation with Energy Plus software and Experimental measurements. The results of the study show fluctuate of an indoor air temperature that windcatcher envelope cover by PCM (21, 24, 28, 30 and 32 ° C) is decreased compared with the baseline (without PCM). It is closer to residents' thermal comfort, and the average air temperature fluctuations in warm months have dropped from 28 to 23 degrees Celsius. By comparing the effect of using different phase change materials, the PCM with 28 ° C melting point had a more significant impact on the decrease the air temperature of the building. Use of a PCM with a suitable melting point increases the natural ventilation hours in the building. Electricity consumption has also fallen by about 5 percent.