Application of weather forecast in conjunction with price-based method for PCM solar passive buildings – An experimental study

Highlights: • The application of PCM in building was experimentally studied. • Weather forecast data were used in order to improve the energy saving. • The importance of an accurate weather forecast was investigated. • An electrical saving up to 90% per day was achieved. • Successful peak load shifting was achieved. - Abstract: This study experimentally investigated the application of weather forecasting in combination with the price-based control method for solar passive buildings. Two identical lightweight test huts were used for the experimental study, one finished with ordinary gypsum board and the other finished with PCM-impregnated gypsum boards. Based on the experimental results, the application of weather forecast data showed significant energy saving when PCM is used. In some days, an electrical energy saving up to 90% per day was achieved using the proposed method. The results also showed that the application of inaccurate weather forecasts can significantly deteriorate performance of the control system and even lead to more energy consumption in the PCM hut.