Microencapsulated phase change material incorporated light transmitting gypsum composite for thermal energy saving in buildings

Abstract

The increased energy consumption for specific applications, including heating, cooling, air conditioning and lighting of residential and commercial buildings accelerate the research efforts concentrated on developing thermal energy storage capacity of buildings materials in recent years. Likewise, the development of light-transmitting building elements is a novel energy-saving technique that enhances lighting efficiency in buildings. In light of these, the current study seeks to design an untried microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) integrated glass fiber reinforced gypsum composite with sufficient light-transmitting properties and thermal energy storage capacity. In this research, a multi-scale investigation of light-transmitting gypsum composite was conducted experimentally with physical, mechanical, chemical, microstructural, thermal, light transmittance and solar thermoregulation tests. The gypsum composite is formed from α-gypsum, water, polymer admixture, alkali-resistant glass fiber (AR-GF), several concentrations of MPCM, and plastic optical grids to allow light to transmit through the board. Although higher fractions of MPCM yielded an apparent decrease in mechanical strength test results, 5 wt% introduction of MPCM to the reference matrix reduced the compressive and flexural strength of specimens by 1 and 8 %, respectively. The results verified a reduction trend in thermal conductivity of composites with MPCM loading. DSC investigations revealed that the melting temperature and the regarding latent heat storage capacity of gypsum composite with 15 wt% of MCPM are 17.76 °C and 19.2 J/g, respectively. Light-transmitting gypsum composites showed up to ~10 % light transmittance, that can greatly increase the efficiency of lighting in buildings. The produced gypsum composites with MPCM kept the test room cooler during the highest temperature, while it provided a warmer room during the nighttime for an extended time. The study's findings are applicable to increase thermal comfort by reducing the significant temperature variations in buildings and improving artificial lighting efficiency, encouraging the design of sustainable building applications.