Integration Of Phase Change Materials Research Articles

Enhancing photovoltaic performance through solar radiation splitting: A beam splitter-assisted hybrid approach with 2-D tracking and PCM integration

Solar energy is an abundant and environmentally friendly power source; however, its conversion efficiency is limited by the mismatch between the response of photovoltaic (PV) and the solar spectrum. This paper proposes a novel hybrid system that splits solar radiation into visible and thermal components using a beam splitter. Through experimental and theoretical analyses, the study explores the integration of a phase change material (PCM) packed bed with a PV cell as a hybrid system to optimize energy conversion. The experiment is carried out using a 2D tracker. The concentration ratio, determined based on the maximum concentration ratio (MCR) supported by the PV cell, is established as the optimum point. For Silicon PV, the maximum concentration ratios are determined to be 8 and 16 sun for the cases of using and not using the beam splitter, respectively. The ratios of thermal and visible energy, measured at a wavelength of 700 nm, are observed to be 60.66 % and 39.33 % respectively. Under MCR conditions, in the PV system alone, the generated power reaches approximately 850 W/m2, while in the hybrid splitting configuration, it increases to around 1200 W/m2, resulting in a 43 % increase in the system's net power when employing the beam splitter. Furthermore, the study reveals that the utilization factor remains constant at 0.13 across all irradiation ranges for PV-alone systems. In contrast, for the PV/PCM hybrid splitting system, the utilization factor exhibits an increasing trend with higher solar irradiation intensities, reaching values of 0.31, 0.41, and 0.46 for irradiation ranges of 900, 950, and 1000 W/m2, respectively. The findings of this study suggest the potential of using a beam splitter in combination with a 2-D tracker and PCM-packed bed to increase PV efficiency. The proposed configuration demonstrates a substantial enhancement in total net power output, offering a promising avenue for advancing solar energy conversion technologies. Adding PCM to the system has proven to be beneficial, as it addresses the fluctuations in solar radiation and may enhance the total system efficiency.

Effects of different heat transfer enhancers in PCM-based latent thermal energy storage for hydrogen storage in activated carbon bottle

This study presents a numerical simulation of a packed bed reactor filled with activated carbon for hydrogen storage, incorporating phase change material (PCM) with various heat transfer enhancers. The simulations were performed using the Fluent ANSYS. The main goal is to explore the use of PCM as a heat manager (reactor coolant) and optimize its performance by investigating the effects of various enhancers, including nanoparticles (NP), metal foam (MF), and fins, on the melting efficiency of PCM in activated carbon beds. Outcomes showed that the hydrogen adsorption capacity of 25 mmol/g was found to be independent of the type of PCM enhancer used in the system. The results showed that the MF provided the best cooling performance of the activated carbon bed, with a surface heat flux of 2750 W/m2 and a surface heat transfer coefficient of 410 W/m2K, while fins provided the highest melting rate of the PCM. In the presence of fins, metal foam, and nanoparticles, the fusion rate of PCM has been enhanced by 64, 32, and 8%, respectively, compared to pure PCM. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of packed bed reactors for hydrogen storage and can be used to optimize the thermal performance of the system. Based on the obtained findings, it is recommended that future studies on H2 storage in solid beds should be focused on the optimization of fins, metal foams, use of other nanoparticles, integration of composite PCMs, adoption of chemically modified or nanoporous carbon beds, and possibly the employment of hybrid enhancers.

Dynamic heat-transfer mechanism and performance analysis of an integrated Trombe wall with radiant cooling for natural cooling energy harvesting and air-conditioning

Natural cooling energy and high-efficient radiant cooling techniques are essential to mitigate energy resources shortage crisis, breakthrough on traditional convective air-conditioning systems in isolation between indoor and outdoor environment with high indoor air quality. In this paper, a polyethylene aerogel (PEA) and phase change material (PCM) integrated novel Trombe wall was proposed, involving natural cooling energy harvesting, cooling energy storage, indoor ventilation and radiant cooling. A two-dimensional unsteady numerical model based on surface-to surface (S2S) radiation model and effective specific heat capacity method was developed in the commercial software Ansys Fluent to evaluate the cooling performance and dynamic heat-transfer mechanism of the novel Trombe wall. Subsequently, climate-responsive operation strategies on ventilation modes were proposed to maximize natural cooling energy utilization and fresh air supply. Parametrical and comparative studies were conducted on optimal structural design and robust operation. Our results showed that, with the novel design and advanced operation strategies, passive cooling capacity of 0.64 kWh/m2·day can be provided, together with fresh air supply of 2705.2 kg/day (1.4 m2 Trombe wall), corresponding to air change rate per hour (ACH) of 1.15. In terms of active cooling system, the integration of PEA and PCM can effectively prevent moisture condensation and shift peak cooling load. Hence, radiant cooling capacity of 0.99 kWh/m2·day and radiant cooling ratio of 47 % can be achieved by the novel Trombe wall, with electricity consumption only at valley period. Moreover, economic saving of 55.0 CNY/day and decarbonization potential of 23.8 kg CO2,e/day can be achieved when the novel Trombe wall is integrated into a typical office building in subtropical climate Guangzhou. This study provides a novel structural design and optimal operation strategies on a Trombe wall, together with guidelines on techno-economic-environmental performance improvement, promoting effective natural cooling energy utilization and energy-flexible/efficient radiant cooling for decarbonization of buildings in cooling-dominant regions.

An approach to improve the efficiency of cooling enhancement of a thermoelectric refrigerator through the use of phase‐change materials

AbstractIn this study, a technique is suggested to enhance the temperature difference for cooling and energy efficiency of thermoelectric cooler (TEC) used in cooled detectors when subjected to high current conditions. Embedding a structure for storing heat during phase change is the basis of this method at the heat sink. A simulation model was created for a common two‐stage series TEC with an asymmetrical design, which is coupled with a structure for storing heat through phase change. The research examined how phase transition heat storage impacts the coefficient of performance (COP) and refrigeration temperature difference across various phase‐change substances, heat transfer coefficients at the hot end, currents, and the height of the phase‐change material (PCM). The findings suggest that the suggested approach of combining PCM with TEC can efficiently lower the cold end temperature of TEC by a maximum of 20 K, enhance the temperature gap by a maximum of 16 K, and preserve the consistency of the optimized quantity across various hot end heat transfer coefficients. During the phase‐change process of PCMs, the COP of TECs integrated with PCM is found to increase by an average of 2%–3% compared to TECs without PCM integration. Under the maximum current operating condition, the cryogenic temperature can be optimized to a minimum of 238 K. In summary, the proposed method of integrating phase‐change heat storage with TECs provides a promising solution for improving their cooling performance and energy efficiency in cooled detectors under high current conditions. Additional investigation can be conducted to explore the practical application of this approach and enhance the design parameters for various uses.

A Systematic Analysis of Phase Change Material and Optically Advanced Roof Coatings Integration for Athenian Climatic Conditions

Energy retrofit solutions that concern a building’s roof structure play a significant role in the enhancement of a building’s thermal behaviour. This study investigates the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) with cool coatings (CCs) or thermochromic coatings (TCCs), namely, a PCM roof, a PCM-CC roof, and a PCM-TCC roof, as alternative and novel tactics for the simultaneous control of solar heat transfer and solar heat reflection. An energy simulation analysis with the DesignBuilder tool is conducted for a one-story residence and the climatic conditions of Athens. The simulation results indicate that, compared to the existing concrete roof construction, the PCM roof, PCM-CC, and PCM-TCC roof systems demonstrate energy savings that reach up to 13.55%, 16.04%, and 21.70%, respectively. The systematic analysis reveals that the increase in PCM’s thickness leads to an increase in the total electricity savings of the buildings, but in the case of PCM-CC and PCM-TCC roof systems, they merely effect the cooling thermal loads. The mean phase transition temperature that favours the cumulative electricity savings is 28 °C in the case of PCM and PCM-TCC roof systems and 35 °C in the case of PCM-CC roof systems. The methodology of this study allows the design of efficient, integrated roof systems with advanced thermal and optical properties as energy retrofit solutions for Mediterranean climatic conditions.

Enhancing solar façade thermal performance with PCM spheres: A CFD investigation

To improve building energy efficiency and address thermal storage challenges during periods without a heat source, such as cloudy weather or night-time, a range of solutions is required. Innovative technologies and sustainable practices are essential for combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions. This study primarily focuses on Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems, specifically those using Phase Change Materials (PCMs), to increase energy efficiency for Transpired Solar Collectors used in buildings applications. During the last 30 years Transpired Solar Collectors (TSC) have been extensively investigated. However, a primary concern still exists regarding thermal storage when the heat source is unavailable, such as during periods of cloudy weather or at night. Thus, a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system coupled with the TSC is a potential solution. In this study we are investigating using numerical simulation the arrangement of encapsulation for TES, integrating phase change materials (PCM) in spherical elements when compared with plate encapsulation elements. The model reproduces a part of a real scale thermal energy storage inserted in a Double Skin TSC. The model consists of a Plexiglas duct in which four different arrangements for the spherical encapsulated PCM were studied. For each of the arrangements the heat transfer between the TES elements and the air passing through the collector was analyzed. The primary finding of the study indicates that the hexagonal arrangement offers better passive airflow control, thus enhancing the heat transfer up to 12.3% compared to the rectangular arrangements

Numerical investigation of a cylindrical lithium-ion battery pack with integrated phase change material and coolant circulating channels

The integration of passive cooling (PCM) and active cooling as a battery thermal management system integrate the advantages of attaining a low maximum cell temperature and maintaining temperature uniformity in the battery module. However, there have been few studies that incorporate rectangular liquid channels in a PCM battery module composed of a high number of cylindrical cells. In this work, a new hybrid cooling system comprised of thirty cylindrical lithium-ion batteries (18650) combined with phase change material and a cooling channel was developed. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that (i) the battery module is designed to have a single inlet and outlet and is bifurcated at the inlet side to improve the symmetrical cooling of the entire battery module. (ii) This symmetrical cooling enhances temperature uniformity among battery cells, lowers maximum cell temperature, and delays PCM melting, allowing the PCM to absorb more heat from the batteries. (iii) In comparison to other complex hybrid cooling systems, the channels in this module may be easily manufactured, lowering the cost of battery module production. Insights into the influence of liquid channels can be best analyzed by extracting temperature and melted fraction data of phase change material. The proposed cooling system was shown to be capable of keeping the batteries' temperature below the optimal operating temperature at four different discharge rates (1C, 2C, 3C, and 4C). The proposed hybrid cooling system demonstrated to operate under harsh operating circumstances while yet keeping the battery at a safe temperature. At a mass flow rate of 0.001 kg/s and an inlet temperature of 30 °C, a maximum temperature and maximum temperature difference of 37 °C and 1.69 °C, respectively, were obtained, which are below the optimum temperature of 40 °C and a temperature difference of 5 °C. A maximum temperature and maximum temperature difference of 37 °C and 1.69 °C respectively were obtained at a water inlet temperature of 30 °C, making it the preferred inlet temperature.

Effect of blending of medium-temperature phase change material on the bitumen storage heat

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using D-Mannitol as a phase-change material (PCM) to increase the energy storage capacity and improve the thermomechanical characteristics of the modified bitumen. D-mannitol (Dm) was incorporated into Bitumen (Bm) using a high-speed shearing method. The results showed that the integration of PCM enhanced the physical characteristics of the basic bitumen, with the modified bitumen having a melting point close to that of D-mannitol (Tm = 164 °C). The D-mannitol was found to crystallize during cooling, indicating that it can store or release heat in the latent form. The specific heat capacity of the modified bitumen was proven to increase gradually as the PCM content (2, 4, and 8 wt%) increased. The maximum temperature regulation effect of the modified bitumen was observed when the PCM content reached 8 wt%, resulting in a temperature reduction of up to 9 °C. This study provides a basis for the utilization of D-Mannitol as a form of energy storage in bitumen-based pavement applications.

Advancements in Household Refrigeration: Evaluating Cooling Efficiency and Sustainability through Innovative Technologies

Abstract: Household refrigeration technology has undergone significant advancements in recent years, driven by the need for energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and improved cooling performance. This comprehensive study delves into various aspects of household refrigerators, including single condenser systems, double condenser configurations, and the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) on the condenser surface. In Case 1, we conducted experiments to determine the cooling capacity of a standard household refrigerator equipped with a single condenser. Precise measurements and data analysis allowed us to evaluate its cooling efficiency, a crucial factor in preserving perishable items and assessing energy consumption. Case 2 extended our investigation to refrigerators with double condenser units, aiming to understand their impact on cooling performance. By comparing results with Case 1, we evaluated the potential advantages of this configuration in terms of cooling capacity and energy efficiency

A Comprehensive Study on a Household Refrigerator with a PCM-Enhanced Condenser: Experimental and Numerical Approaches: A Review

Abstract: Household refrigeration technology plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, ensuring the preservation of perishable goods and contributing to energy efficiency. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into improving the efficiency and performance of household refrigerators by integrating Phase Change Materials (PCMs) into the condenser system. We employ a combination of experimental and numerical approaches to evaluate the impact of PCM integration on refrigeration systems and explore its potential for broader applications. In the data presentation phase, we utilize graphs, tables, and figures to present experimental and numerical results clearly. These visual aids enhance our ability to convey complex data and insights to our audience. The analysis and discussion delve into the findings from both experimental and numerical approaches. Our results indicate that PCM-enhanced condensers can significantly improve the energy efficiency and cooling performance of household refrigerators. We discuss the implications of these findings on the broader field of household refrigeration technology and highlight the potential for reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The conclusion and future work provide a concise summary of our key findings and contributions to the field. We underscore the significance of our research in advancing the state of household refrigeration technology and identify avenues for future research, including further enhancements in PCM integration and its application in various refrigeration systems. To ensure the credibility of our research, we plan to subject our methodology, results, and conclusions to peer review by experts in the field. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of experimental validation to confirm the consistency and reliability of our findings. Throughout the research process, ethical considerations remain a paramount concern. We pledge to adhere to ethical standards, safety protocols, and environmental regulations to ensure the responsible conduct of our research. In summary, our study embarks on a promising exploration of PCM-enhanced condensers in household refrigeration technology. By combining experimental and numerical approaches, we aim to contribute valuable insights that not only enhance the efficiency of household refrigerators but also offer a sustainable solution for a greener future. This research endeavors to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation, paving the way for innovative advancements in refrigeration technology.

A novel method to evaluate phase change materials' impact on buildings' energy, economic, and environmental performance via controlled natural ventilation

The construction industry consumes a significant portion of global energy, with space conditioning in buildings accounting for a substantial 34% of energy usage. Notably, the energy consumption of a building is significantly influenced by its envelope. Researchers widely acknowledge that incorporating phase change materials (PCM) into the building envelope is a promising way to enhance energy efficiency and mitigate CO2 emissions in the building sector, owing to their high latent heat capacity. However, PCM must be completely charged after each cycle to exploit its full potential. Natural ventilation is a viable technique to facilitate the charging and discharging cycle of PCM within a 24-h period. To this end, the present study utilized EnergyPlus simulations to optimize the cooling energy savings of a residential building incorporating PCM into its envelope for PCM melting temperatures, considering various ventilation strategies across 45 cities in 15 climate zones worldwide. In order to evaluate the latent heat utilization of PCM and its improvement facilitated by natural ventilation, two novel indicators, namely HS and HR, were formulated to represent the heat stored and released by PCM during a 24-h cycle, respectively. In addition, following an economic analysis of PCM integration, a comprehensive environmental evaluation was carried out, which included the carbon intensities (CI) of all fuel sources contributing to power generation. The study's findings reveal substantial energy savings across all climate zones when controlled natural ventilation is coupled with PCM, and the newly proposed indicators precisely quantify the performance of PCM in all scenarios evaluated. In the arid climate zone (A), combining PCM and natural ventilation enhances energy savings, albeit to a similar extent as using ventilation alone. However, the integration of PCM with temperature-controlled ventilation yields striking energy reductions of up to 72.8%, 85.3%, and 61% in arid (B), warm temperate (C), and snow (D) climate zones, respectively. The cost-benefit analysis reveals a minimal return period of as short as five years in climate zone C. In the same climate zone C, the in-depth environmental analysis reveals a maximal reduction of 42,004 CO2-e kg/year in carbon emissions. In conclusion, this research study demonstrated that integrating PCM with controlled natural ventilation offers a practical, sustainable, and cost-effective solution with eco-friendly and energy-efficient outcomes.

Direct-expansion solar-assisted heat pump coupled with crystallisation-controlled supercooled PCM for shifting building electricity demand

This paper proposes a novel approach for improving the performance of a direct-expansion solar-assisted heat pump (DX-SAHP) system by integrating a crystallisation controllable phase change material (PCM) and building energy demand shifting strategy. The proposed system aims to reduce buildings' energy consumption while utilizing solar energy efficiently. Sodium acetate trihydrate (SAT) as the crystallisation controllable supercooled PCM has a promising feature of releasing the stored latent heat when it is externally triggered, allowing the user to control the stored heat whenever needed. In the study, the PCM can store the thermal energy generated by the DX-SAHP during peak solar hours in an efficient way. This stored energy can be released when solar energy is unavailable, but the heating is requested. This approach not only reduces the load on the heat pump system but also makes efficient use of the stored thermal energy by crystallisation controllable PCM. A detailed controlling methodology of the system is given, and heating output is controlled considering the level of solar irradiance. The proposed system was modelled and simulated using MATLAB, and the results show that the integration of crystallisation controllable PCM and building demand shifting strategy can significantly reduce the energy consumption of the buildings. On the low solar radiation day, the COP improvement compared to the air source heat pump system was found 9.4%, this improvement value can reach 77% on high solar radiation days. The system can also effectively utilize solar energy and reduce the overall carbon footprint of buildings.

Performance assessment and optimization of concentrated solar power plants with paired metal hydride-based thermochemical energy storage

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the innovative future concept of a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant, specifically focusing on a CSP-driven Rankine cycle. Additionally, a suggested energy storage solution for the analyzed CSP plant is the thermochemical energy storage (TCES) approach. The TCES system used paired metal hydrides integrated with phase change material (PCM). A comprehensive mathematical model has been developed to enable performance predictions for the entire CSP plant as well as each of its components. This model considers the thermal coupling between the solar field, the thermochemical storage system, and the power block in order to assess the overall performance of the CSP plant. Utilizing this successfully verified model with reference data, a parametric study is conducted on various operating parameters to identify optimal operating points for the storage system in relation to the overall efficiency of the CSP plant. Furthermore, the critical issue of appropriate and novel concepts for MHs-based TCES integration in CSP plants is discussed in detail. The CSP plant's performance was examined as a function of storage cycle duration, charging and discharging temperatures, melting PCM temperature, and thermal efficiency. Based on the findings, it has been observed that higher charging temperature and integration of PCM into the thermochemical energy storage (TCES) system can lead to a significant reduction of 13-fold in the required solar collector area and a notable increase of 77 % in the efficiency of the CSP plant. Thus, the proposed TCES system appears to be the most promising future heat storage system for CSP plants.

Potential evaluation of energy flexibility and energy-saving of PCM-integrated office building walls

Building energy flexibility is important for reducing peak-to-valley differences in air-conditioner loads. Integrating phase change material into office building envelopes and precooling can effectively reduce peak load, but precooling may increase total energy consumption. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate its energy flexibility and energy consumption features. In present work, a heat transfer model of phase change material (PCM)-integrated office building walls was established firstly and verified by experiments. Then, the energy flexibility and energy-saving potential of the PCM-integrated wall under different precooling strategies were studied, and the effects of various PCM parameters on energy flexibility and energy-saving potential were evaluated. Finally, the influence of different peak-to-valley electricity tariff differences on electricity costs was analyzed. The results show that the optimized precooling strategy and peak-to-valley electricity tariff difference make the energy flexibility index of the PCM-integrated wall up to 69.7% at a total load reduction of 1.3% and save the electricity cost by 51%. The PCM location and melting point have the most significant effect on the energy flexibility and energy-saving potential of the PCM-integrated wall under precooling operating conditions. This study guides the selection of energy flexibility and energy-saving precooling strategy and PCM parameters for PCM-integrated office building walls and the formulation of time-of-use tariff policies.

Towards resilient operation of photovoltaic-thermal collector with incorporated organic phase change material: Numerical and experimental investigation

The resilient operation of the novel free-standing photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collector with an integrated phase change material (PCM) in variable weather conditions was examined by developing the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) 3D model to perform numerical analysis of heat transfer. The developed transient multi-parameter numerical model was directly compared with experimental measurements for the case of variable cloudiness, unstable ambient temperature, and fluctuating wind. Due to volatile weather conditions, the numerical analysis included variable time-dependent boundary conditions implemented using user-defined functions (UDF). The investigation considered a novel multi-parameter numerical approach, together with novel experimental data for unconventional organic PCM. Specifically, the thermal characteristics of unconventional organic PCM, i.e., pork fat, were experimentally determined with the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method and embedded in the numerical model. It was found that melting of the crystal phase of pork fat PCM starts at 8.3 °C and ends at 45.2 °C with a latent heat of melting being 45.4 Jg−1. The numerical model was successfully validated with experimental data. The mean absolute percentage deviation of the operating temperature numerical forecast compared with the experiment was from about 2.9% to 4.9%, depending on the considered domain. The findings of this investigation can be used to improve the existing designs of PVT-PCM collectors. Furthermore, a validated numerical model can be used to investigate the impact of various operating parameters on the system performance to enhance the resilience aspect in the early development phase of novel designs.

Building brick wall thermal management optimization and temperature control based on phase change materials integration. Case study of the city of Bechar, Algeria

Energy is a critical component of modern human life, and life without energy-consuming sectors is unthinkable for twenty-first-century humans. The building sector is a significant consumer of energy. A significant portion of human energy consumption is used to maintain comfortable building conditions. This work investigates three types of brick cavities (square, polygon, and circle cavities) filled with various phase change materials (PCMs). PCMs include RT24, RT42, n-Eicosane, and Capric acid. In Algerias hot climate, the effects of PCM type and cavity forms on the thermal performance of brick walls are discussed. In addition, an energy consumption comparison was performed between the new wall brick and the traditional brick. According to the findings, the utilization of PCM within the brick wall leads to a decrease in the indoor heat transfer and generates an indoor wall temperature more in line with the desired indoor air temperature. Furthermore, when square cavities are filled with capric acid as PCM, the outcome is a maximum temperature of 27.8 °C. Moreover, it leads to a reduction of 67.84 % in peak indoor heat flux and a decrease of 61.8 % in energy consumption.

Exploring the Potential of Phase Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage in Building Envelopes

Buildings, with their significant energy consumption, pose a pressing concern for the future. Inadequate heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems further exacerbate thermal management difficulties and energy requirements. To address these challenges, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) offer valuable potential for sustainable energy reduction within the building sector, leveraging passive cooling and heating techniques. Numerical study has been conducted to explore the impact of embedding PCM within the building envelope on energy efficiency and thermal performance. The results reveal that PCM integration significantly reduces temperatures across all sections compared to scenarios without PCM. By passively absorbing and storing heat energy during phase change, PCM mitigates heat transfer through convection and conduction, leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced power consumption for cooling and heating purposes. Within the first 2 hours, the PCM achieves 50% of its average melting process, followed by a gradual decrease in the melting rate. It takes approximately 6 hours for the PCM to completely melt. As the PCM undergoes the melting process, the system's entropy values increase, reflecting an increase in disorder. At the tip of the building, the entropy value reaches 130 K/kg·K, which is more than three times the initial value. The integration of PCM in building envelopes shows promising potential for enhancing energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and durability. Future research should focus on optimizing PCM placement and configuration to maximize its benefits in diverse building designs and climatic conditions.

Advancements in Phase Change Materials in Asphalt Pavements for Mitigation of Urban Heat Island Effect: Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review.

This research presents a dual-pronged bibliometric and systematic review of the integration of phase change materials (PCM) in asphalt pavements to counteract the urban heat island (UHI) effect. The bibliometric approach discerns the evolution of PCM-inclusion asphalt research, highlighting a marked rise in the number of publications between 2019 and 2022. Notably, Chang'an University in China has emerged as a leading contributor. The systematic review addresses key questions like optimal PCM types for UHI effect mitigation, strategies for PCM leakage prevention in asphalt, and effects on mechanical properties. The findings identify polyethylene glycols (PEGs), especially PEG2000 and PEG4000, as prevailing PCM due to their wide phase-change temperature range and significant enthalpy during phase transitions. While including PCM can modify asphalt's mechanical attributes, such mixtures typically stay within performance norms. This review emphasises the potential of PCM in urban heat management and the need for further research to achieve optimal thermal and mechanical balance.

Phase change material on the integration of PCM in the building envelope

In this research, a simulation of the thermal behavior of a passive solar system using PCMs will be carried out. And a study of the parameters identified in a direct gain passive solar system will be carried out. The results are analyzed in the simulations and obtaining the respective conclusions. The main objective of this work is to verify whether the incorporation of phase change materials (PCM) in a given environment leads to significant benefits in the occupants' thermal comfort. Ultimately, this work hopes to contribute to reinforcing the idea that the future of construction will have to go through a coherent use of fossil energy resources and the use of solar energy, reflected in the design and construction of buildings.

Transient thermal behavior of a passive heat sink integrated with phase change material: A numerical simulation

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the thermal performance of a heat sink augmented with phase change material (PCM) for passive electronic cooling applications. The PCM-based heat sink employed N-eicosane as the PCM, which has a suitable melting temperature and high latent heat capacity for electronic cooling applications. A numerical simulation based on the enthalpy-porosity method was developed to analyze the impact of both PCM inclusion and induced natural convection airflow on the base temperature of the heat sink. The operational conditions were selected as three constant heat fluxes of 2, 3, and, 4 kW/m2 and four critical base temperatures of 40, 45, 50, and 55 °C. The influence of fin numbers on the thermal behavior of both PCM-based and conventional (without PCM) heat sinks was also investigated by considering the three fin numbers of 4, 5 and, 6. The PCM integration into the heat sink effectively delayed the rise of base temperature and extended the safe operation time compared to a conventional one. The thermal performance enhancement ratio of the PCM-based heat sink over the conventional heat sink ranged from 1.53 to 2.81, depending on the selected heat flux and critical temperature. The effect of fin numbers on thermal performance was more significant at lower heat fluxes. It was observed that the PCM-based heat sinks achieved a higher time-averaged heat transfer coefficient than the conventional heat sinks, and this coefficient increased with the heat flux and decreased with the fin number. For both PCM-based and conventional heat sinks, it was observed that increasing the fin number reduces the heat transfer coefficient value due to the suppressing effect of fins on natural convection current. The results demonstrate the potential of using passive PCM-based heat sinks for improving the reliability and efficiency of electronic devices compared to conventional heat sinks.