The application of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) within lightweight concrete in passive air conditioning system

Abstract

Air conditioner (AC) as an active conditioning system is commonly used to absorb heat inside the room or building. However, AC requires relatively large electrical energy. Passive air conditioning system could be seen as an alternative solution to alter the issues mentioned above. Phase Change Material-PCM is able to absorb heat as latent heat that change its form without increasing the temperature. In applications, PCM can be used as mixture on concrete in order to hold the thermal energy from the environment so the temperature inside building can be lower and stable. PCM can decrease thermal conductivity of concrete. Crude Palm Oil (CPO) that can be applied as PCM is added within concrete so that it can have insulating behaviour, decrease the cooling load and electricity energy consumption. In this study, CPO is injected into lightweight concrete with some variation volume to represent its insulating behaviour. Thermal conductivities of lightweight concrete when used CPO volume 0 ml (as control), 2.5 ml, 5 ml, and 7.5 ml are 0,12 W/mK, 0,06 W/mK, 0.07W/mK, and 0.08 W/mK. Thus, the lightweight concrete has better insulating behaviour. This research is expected to be a solution for decreasing cost of electricity energy consumption in buildings.