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Nowadays, given the high cost of an experimental phase and to validate the developed models, the calculator is used by more and more researchers. However, experimentation is a major step to validate any model. To get some accurate data, the devices must be efficient. That is why their prices is very expensive. To overcome this problem, researchers leading to new approaches for developing their own prototypes. The challenge is to have accuracy devices for a lower cost. Measurement of diffuse illuminance requires the use of a device to mask the solar disk, like the shadow-ring. In this paper, a manufacturing protocol is proposed to design a shadow-ring, named SHADECO, according to the latitude of the study site and composed of basic materials. For the same efficiency, it allows a cost 4 to 6 times lower than industrial ring. To demonstrate the low cost-saving ratio of the data obtains, a study was conducted on predictive modeling of the behavior of an indoor lighting device. Two models are compared: one using diffuse illuminance deduced (from k t ) and the other using the diffuse illuminance obtained with SHADECO. Using data measured instead of data deduced can improve by almost 34% the model's accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of phase change materials (PCMs) as a building integrated thermal storage may contribute to improving building energy performances. This article focuses on the integration of PCMs in the roof with a non-ventilated air layer, in order to assess thermal performances of a dedicated test cell, especially for thermal comfort. An experimental equipment was set up at Reunion Island under tropical and humid climatic conditions. A mathematical model, based on the apparent heat capacity method is used to predict the actual impact of PCMs on energy consumption as well as thermal comfort. Once the comparisons are performed with simulations, the use of the psychrometric chart, Predicted Mean Vote and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied indexes, shows that in the tested configurations, thermal comfort can be improved. Indeed, as well as to enhance the thermal energy storage, the given configuration also reduce the solar radiation through the roof, due to the reflective properties of PCMs panel surfaces. A positive effect on inside air temperature of the full-scale experimental test cell is particularly observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]