Project Overview
This modeling study evaluates the impact of ULTIMA TEMPLOK Phase Change Material (PCM) ceiling tiles on the energy performance of a medium-sized office building located in Los Angeles, California. Two building models were developed using IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) software, differing only in ceiling material selection. The first model served as a baseline case, using standard mineral fiber ceiling tiles. The second model used ULTIMA TEMPLOK mineral fiber ceiling tiles with PCM. Annual simulations were run to quantify the impact of the TEMPLOK tiles on the building’s energy performance.
ULTIMA TEMPLOK ceilings contain PCM that absorbs excess heat when temperatures rise and releases stored heat as temperatures fall, effectively regulating indoor temperature fluctuations. This process passively reduces HVAC system loads, decreases energy usage, and enhances occupant comfort.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Climate Zone: IECC Climate Zone 3B
(Warm-Dry)
Building Type: Medium Office
(53,660 ft², 3 stories)
Simulation Tool: IES Virtual Environment
(IESVE) 2025
Standards Referenced:
ASHRAE 90.1-2019
Appendix G
(Baseline specifications)
| Results Annual Cooling Energy Savings – 7.2 % Annual Heating Energy Savings – 30.2 % |
Simulation Results & Analysis
The simulation calculated heat exchange with the TEMPLOK ceiling throughout the year in short time intervals, capturing the dynamic thermal storage of the PCM as it cycled between solid and liquid states. Compared to the baseline model, the TEMPLOK ceiling reduced the building’s annual cooling energy by 7.2% and heating energy by 30.2%, significantly lowering HVAC demand to maintain thermal comfort.
From IESVE Model
Cooling Savings
Los Angeles, located in Climate Zone 3B, experiences many warm days with mild or cool nights. The PCM absorbs heat during the day, reducing the cooling load, and naturally “recharges” overnight as the temperature falls. Cooling energy was saved in the TEMPLOK model compared to the baseline model in every month of the year (Figure A), with most substantial savings during the peak hours of the day (Figure B). Though not part of this study, implementing night ventilation strategies could further enhance PCM performance and increase cooling energy savings.
Heating Savings
In Los Angeles’ mild heating season, many days require heating in the early morning and cooling by afternoon — an ideal scenario for PCM ceilings. By storing heat during the day and releasing it overnight, the PCM reduces early morning heating demand. This effect, visible in the hourly heating power plot (Figure C), led to substantial and consistent heating energy savings throughout the year (Figure D).
The PCM transitions phase throughout the 70s°F, helping to regulate both heating and cooling loads on days with wide temperature swings (Figure E). By increasing the building’s thermal inertia within this comfortable range, it reduces peak cooling demand and recovers heat to the building overnight, maintaining more stable indoor temperatures around the clock (Figure F).
Fan Savings
In addition to reductions in cooling and heating energy use, fan savings are also achieved when PCM is installed in the space. As in the previous cases, the PCM helps mitigate early morning thermal demand, allowing supply fans to start later and operate at lower speeds throughout the day (Figure G)
Conclusion
This study demonstrates how TEMPLOK ceilings can reduce HVAC energy use in a Los Angeles office building. Leveraging IESVE’s new physics-based PCM model, the simulation captured TEMPLOK’s dynamic thermal behavior and its impact on energy demand. The results highlight TEMPLOK’s potential to improve building performance, now supported by the rigorous simulation capabilities of the IESVE platform.