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What is the output variable for heat transmitted through a wall, to compare a wall with and without PCM?

asked 2026-09-28 14:23:34 -0500

Marcos's avatar

updated 2026-09-28 14:24:40 -0500

Hello everyone,

I am modeling a building in EnergyPlus and comparing two wall constructions: a reference wall without PCM and the same wall with a PCM layer (using MaterialProperty:PhaseChange with the CondFD solution algorithm). My goal is to evaluate the insulation effect of the PCM by comparing the heat transmitted through the wall in both cases.

I could not determine which output variable is the right one for this purpose, and I would like to make sure I am reading the correct quantity.

My questions are:

Which output variable represents the heat actually transmitted through the wall into the zone, so that I can compare the two constructions?

Any advice on best practice, or pitfalls when interpreting these results with PCM, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

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answered 2026-09-28 17:34:27 -0500

For net heat transfer, I think you'd want either

Output:Variable,*,Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate,hourly;

or

Output:Variable,*,Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Transfer Energy,hourly

But if you're only looking at the inside face heat transfer, it'd be "Surface Inside Face" instead of average face.

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Asked: 2026-09-28 14:23:34 -0500

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Last updated: 3 hours ago