Smart Wall Incorporating a New Composite Based on Sisal Fiber and Phase Change Material

Abstract

The building sector has a significant potential for improving thermal performance and reducing ecological footprint. An effective design of the building envelope and structure, along with appropriate choice of materials and construction systems, can contribute to decreased energy consumption. In this study, we focus on the development of an innovative composite material called ‘SLNT-PCM’, which combines a phase change material (PCM) with a textile-based material, with the aim of achieving thermal comfort in buildings. To evaluate the thermal behavior of the ‘SLNT-PCM’ composites, numerical simulations were conducted. The results, including temperature contours in different configurations, confirmed the beneficial effect of integrating PCM in the wall structure for stabilizing the internal temperature of the wall. This study contributes to the understanding of the potential of ‘SLNT-PCM’ composites for enhancing thermal performance in buildings and reducing energy consumption. The results showed that the integration of PCM in the wall structure led to a considerable gradient of 6°C between the inside and outside temperature, with the interior temperature stabilized at a comfortable zone of 26°C. This significant improvement in thermal performance is attributed to the efficient combination of natural and ecological insulation with microcapsules of PCM in the composite material.