Phase change material (PCM) incorporated bricks for energy conservation in composite climate: A sustainable building solution

Abstract

Sun is a perennial source of energy and utilization of this energy for building energy conservation can be a turning point in the energy saving potential of buildings. With Indian population crossing 1.3 billion, there is a need to utilize solar energy to deal with space and resource constraints. The buildings in urban areas are therefore exploring and integrating different passive techniques to conserve energy. One method of improving the energy efficiency aspects of a building would be to increase the thermal mass of the building elements by incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) within the building envelope thereby, reducing the temperature fluctuation and peak temperature within.This study discusses the competence of using PCMs for building energy conservation through their large heat storage capacities in the climatic conditions of Delhi. The aim is to experimentally study the impact of PCM incorporated bricks, assessing the change in temperature difference and heat flow across the same. Analytically for the climatic conditions of Delhi, thermally mapped Eicosane and OM35 are found suitable. These two PCMs are then experimentally characterised, to determine their melting-solidification characteristics, using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results also reiterated the suitability of Eicosane and OM35. Further, the PCM incorporated bricks are tested under real conditions during peak summer (third week of May-2018). A temperature reduction of 5–6 ℃ across the bricks with respect to conventional brick was observed. Energy calculations showed reduction in heat flow by 8% and 12% for Eicosane and OM35 respectively.