Integration Of Phase Change Materials Research Articles

Mechanistic Modelling for Optimising LTES-Enhanced Composites for Construction Applications

This study addresses the optimisation of latent heat thermal energy storage (LTES) composites for construction applications by utilising mechanistic modelling. The work focuses on enhancing the performance of phase change materials (PCMs) incorporated into expanded perlite (EP) for building energy efficiency by delivering sorption capacity models analysing factors such as particle size, surface area, and pore volume, particularly highlighting the performance of EP as a PCM carrier due to its high porosity (around 90%) and large surface area (up to 20 m2/g), which allowed for improved energy storage density and heat transfer. Key challenges in the integration of PCMs into construction materials, such as limited thermal conductivity and leakage during phase transitions, are explored. The model evaluates key parameters affecting sorption, such as temperature, pressure, and surface characteristics of the materials. The results indicate that while higher temperatures enhance sorption in larger pores, they reduce efficiency in smaller ones, leading to a slight overall decrease in total sorption capacity at elevated temperatures. The sorption capacity of water is a value slightly above 2 kg/kg EP, while the PCM RT27 exhibits a sorption capacity of 0.59 kg/kg EP. These results represent the optimised sorption performance in terms of temperature between 40 °C and 50 °C. Furthermore, applying vacuum impregnation is investigated in relation to the pore radii of the EP particles. Larger pore radii show a noticeable improvement in overall sorption capacity from 0.59 kg/kg EP to 0.68 kg/kg EP as pressure increases, especially beyond 4 × 105 Pa. The contribution of inter-particle sorption remains stable, while the intra-particle sorption in large pores drives the overall capacity upward. The findings convey significant findings in optimising the design of LTES-enhanced composites for improved energy storage, thermal regulation, and structural integrity in building applications.

Effect of Macrocapsule Geometry on PCM Performance for Thermal Regulation in Buildings

The integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) into thermal energy storage systems offers significant potential for reducing energy consumption and improving thermal comfort, crucial issues for achieving sustainable building stocks. Nevertheless, the performance of PCM-based systems is strongly influenced by the container geometry. Among the various forms of incorporating PCMs into building applications, macroencapsulation is the most versatile and is, therefore, widely used. Herewith, this paper analyzes the impact of macrocapsule geometry on PCM thermal performance. Thermal properties of the material were first tested using Differential Scanning Calorimetry at five heating/cooling rates to evaluate its influence on phase-change temperatures and enthalpy. Then, an experimental setup evaluated four macrocapsule geometries on the enclosed PCM behavior during charging and discharging processes. The PCM characterization revealed that the slowest-tested rate minimized the supercooling effect. Analysis across different macrocapsule geometries showed that sectioning the contact surface improved heat transfer efficiency by fully mobilizing the PCM and reducing phase-change times. Conversely, double-layered geometry designs hindered heat transfer, presenting challenges in completing PCM charging and discharging. These findings suggest that optimizing its performance is a necessary direction for further research, which may include adjusting the PCM operating temperature range across layers or redesigning the geometry to misalign contact surfaces.

Fire safety of a novel concept of ventilated façade integrating Phase Change Materials

Ventilated facades represent a modern solution increasingly adopted in smart, low-energy building designs. A critical consideration in the implementation of these systems is ensuring fire resistance while simultaneously minimizing the risk of fire propagation. Modern ventilated facade solutions incorporate solar energy storage using phase change materials (PCMs). This study explores the fire performance of storage mass composed of spheres integrating paraffin-based phase-change materials combined with AlO nanomaterials in order to enhance thermal conductivity (nePCM). The investigation focuses on the behavior of these composite materials under fire conditions, providing insights into their safety and efficacy in sustainable building applications.

Optimal phase change material integration strategies for maximizing electronic device reliability

Optimal phase change material integration strategies for maximizing electronic device reliability

Dynamic evaluation of composite roofs: thermal optimization with PCM under extreme climate conditions

The thermal performance of different roof configurations was analyzed, comparing the integration of phase change materials (PCM) with polystyrene insulation under extreme climatic conditions. The decrement factor (DF), time lag (TL), and thermal load were examined. The results indicated that configuration with PCM, either in double layers or with increased thickness, showed the best thermal performance. The optimal configuration, C45, which includes a double layer of PCM with RT25 HC on the bottom layer and RT35 HC* at the top layer, achieved a DF of less than 0.2, a TL between 2 and 10 hours, and a thermal load of 2.5 kWhm-2 . This study confirms that adding a PCM layer is the most effective strategy, followed by the increase of the thickness, as well as the addition of insulation, and finally, an additional layer.

Thermal Performance Enhancement of Solar Water Heaters Using Phase Change Materials in Flat Plate Collectors

Solar water heaters are widely utilized for domestic hot water production, leveraging solar energy as a renewable and sustainable resource. However, the intermittent nature of solar radiation limits their efficiency, particularly during periods of low solar intensity or at night. This study investigates the thermal performance enhancement of solar water heaters through the integration of phase change materials (PCMs), specifically paraffin, within flat plate collectors. The paraffin PCM is placed within an additional pipe in the collector to store excess thermal energy during peak sunlight hours and release it when solar radiation is insufficient. Experimental tests were conducted to measure temperature fluctuations, heat storage capacity, and overall system efficiency with and without PCM integration. The results indicate that the addition of paraffin PCM significantly improves the system’s ability to retain heat, maintaining water temperatures above 50 °C for extended periods and increasing the overall efficiency of the solar water heater by 17.10%. This study demonstrates the potential of PCM-enhanced solar water heaters in optimizing energy use and improving thermal efficiency, making them more effective in regions with variable solar exposure.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Mediterranean Coastal Buildings Through PCM Integration

In this paper, the impact of phase change material (PCM) integration into building envelopes is evaluated, considering a coastal mediterranean climate. PCM integration represents an innovative technology to lower construction’s heating and cooling loads. A case study was conducted on PCM integration into a Lebanese structure’s envelope where the thermal performance and energy effectiveness were assessed. A significant reduction was observed for both cooling and heating loads. Simulations revealed that the optimal PCMs were those whose melting temperatures were between 21 °C and 24 °C under the Mediterranean weather conditions, showing the importance of selecting the appropriate PCM to enhance energy savings. The annual energy savings calculated were between 11% and 13.4%. The study also emphasized the impact of the specified heating and cooling temperatures within the comfort range on the effectiveness of PCM integration. The results show that optimal PCM selection is a function of the weather conditions and indoor temperature settings.

Refrigerator Performance Enhancement with Nanoparticle Infused Phase Change Material

Objectives: This research aims to improve the energy efficiency and performance of traditional refrigerators by integrating Phase Change Material (PCM) and Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Material (NEPCM) on the condenser. Methods: This research integrated paraffin wax as phase change material and Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle enhanced phase change material as Nano enhanced phase change material on the condenser side and evaluated their effects on the coefficient of performance (COP), Energy Efficiency, and Temperature regulation through experimental analysis. Findings: The results demonstrate that the integration of PCM increases the coefficient of performance (COP) by 21%, while the NEPCM achieves a 36% improvement. PCM integration reduces the condenser mid-temperature by 1°C, and NEPCM further lowers it by 2.5°C due to the enhanced thermal conductivity of TiO2 nanoparticles. Energy savings are significant, with PCM providing up to 10% savings and NEPCM achieving up to 21%, indicating a clear improvement in energy efficiency. Novelty: The research demonstrates significant energy efficiency improvements using NEPCM, providing measurable results to validate the enhanced thermal conductivity of TiO2 nanoparticles. Keywords: Domestic refrigerator, Energy Efficiency, Nano­particle enhanced Phase Change Material, Phase Change Material, Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

Development of novel dual functional polyurethane: Antimicrobial and thermal energy storage by phase change material

AbstractIn this study, we aim to develop a novel polyurethane (PUR) with phase changeability and antimicrobial properties for human health‐friendly thermal energy storage applications. The study consists of three steps. First, PUR prepolymer backbone was synthesized by conventional step‐growth polymerization. Second, phase change materials (PCMs) were integrated into the PUR backbone by reaction between free NCO of prepolymer and free OH and COOH of PCMs. At last, antimicrobial properties were integrated by turning nitrogen in urethane to a quaternary state by integration of iodopropane (IP) into a PUR backbone. The chemical structure was determined by FTIR. Thermal properties were determined by DSC and TGA. Antimicrobial properties were determined by the Agar well diffusion method (AWM). FTIR showed that the intended reactions were successful. PCM properties were determined by DSC. Iodopropane had no impact on phase change properties. However, DSC measurements determined the phase change enthalpy to be 28.28 J/g for the heating process and 26.12 J/g for the freezing process. AWM results showed that the prepared PUR system has antimicrobial properties.Highlights Novel PUR was developed with dual functionality. PUR shows thermal storage properties due to PCM integration. PUR shows antimicrobial and bacteriostatic properties after IP addition.

An experimental assessment of five distinct solar distiller designs' thermo-economic performance

This study evaluates five solar still (SS) designs—spherical, cylindrical, pyramid, conventional, and double-slope—to determine the most efficient configuration for freshwater production at a specific test location. In initial testing, the unmodified SS designs were compared to a traditional distiller. Modifications were then made to the spherical SS by adding external reflectors, followed by integrating phase change materials (PCM) with silver nanomaterials. The final configuration tested included the spherical SS with reflectors, fans, and external condensers. Results showed substantial productivity increases over the conventional solar still (CSS), with production enhancements of 115%, 105%, 68%, and 31% for the spherical, cylindrical, pyramid, and double-slope SS designs, respectively. The spherical SS with optimized Nano-PCM and reflectors achieved a 230% increase over CSS (10420 kg/m² vs. 3150 kg/m²). The best-performing configuration, combining a fan, condenser, and reflectors, yielded a 253% improvement, with daily outputs of 11.3 kg/m² compared to 3.2 kg/m² for CSS. Economic analysis revealed that the optimized spherical SS configuration reduced the cost of freshwater production to 0.01 $/kg, significantly lower than the conventional SS cost of 0.024 $/kg.

Sustainable polyurethane biocomposite foams by improved microstructure, acoustic characteristics, thermoregulation performance and reduced CO2 emission through phase change material integration

In this research, phase change material (PCM) comprised of energy storage biocomposite materials were improved with raw materials obtained from renewable resources. Modified raw material was synthesized by epoxy castor oil (ECO). After mixing the obtained modified castor oil (MCO) and polyether polyol, PCM of capric acid (CA) was supplemented. To initiate the chemical reaction, a certain amount of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) was added to the mixture to provide cross-linking. The physical and chemical properties of the resulting biocomposite foams (BCF) were characterized. According to the results obtained, mixing MCO into polyether raw material increased the number of closed pores in BCF resulting in more CA stored in BCF cells produced. The use of MCO in BCF materials increased the CA integration ratio to 68 wt%. The melting enthalpy value of the novel BCF-PCM composites has been determined as 121.43 J/g. In a warm environment, the PCM additive creates a temperature difference exceeding 6 °C, while in a cold environment, it provides a cooling effect close to 6 °C. A more than 50 % improvement in thermal conductivity was achieved with 68 wt% PCM addition compared to pure BCF. The addition of PCM caused a reduction in tensile stress and strain values to an acceptable level. BCFs with PCM additives exhibit a sound absorption coefficient of 0.9 in narrow frequency ranges, whereas, in broad frequency ranges, this value was more than 0.7. In cold weather conditions, employing BCF-PCM material instead of traditional EPS material with a thickness of 0.1 m has led to at least a 30 % drop in CO2 emissions, no matter the type of fuel used for heating. When opting for BCF-PCM materials, the necessary heat demand was approximately 33 % less compared to using the same thickness of EPS in cold climates.

Battery Thermal Management System Using Phase Change Materials

This research paper explores the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) into Electric Vehicle (EV) battery packs for enhanced thermal management. Through a comprehensive study involving design, simulation, and analysis using tools like ANSYS, the effectiveness of PCM integration in managing temperature profiles and heat dissipation within EV battery packs is evaluated. The research highlights the advantages of PCM-based thermal management over traditional air and water cooling methods, emphasizing improvements in battery performance, lifespan, and overall safety. The findings contribute valuable insights to advancing EV technology and sustainability, paving the way for more efficient and reliable electric mobility solutions.

Advanced building envelope by integrating phase change material into a double-pane window at various orientations

Considering building envelope elements in hot locations, windows contribute to about one-third of the building’s total cooling load since heat is transferred effortlessly through transparent elements more than opaque ones. The present work experimentally explores the energy advancements of a phase change material (PCM) loaded in the air gap of a double-pane window. The PCM window was examined under Southern Iraq weather conditions and compared with an identical air–gap double-pane window at various orientations. Numerous energy indicators were analyzed, including the improvement in the average indoor temperature, attenuation coefficient, and time delay to quantify the PCM’s usefulness to the built environment at different orientations. Study outcomes depicted remarkable energy improvements for the PCM in all orientations over the reference window in which the indoor temperature was reduced as much as 23 °C, and shifted by up to 50 min over the reference case. Conclusively, the PCM window could notably shave peak temperature when exposed to high solar radiation for a short period, while it could shift peak temperature mostly if oriented towards longtime solar radiation.

Thermal energy storage systems using bio-based phase change materials: A comprehensive review for building energy efficiency

The construction industry has seen significant growth in energy consumption over the past few years, primarily due to the demand for heating and cooling in buildings. This increase in energy use presents considerable environmental and economic challenges, making reducing energy consumption in homes a critical issue for many countries. A promising approach to improving energy performance in homes while reducing CO2 emissions is integrating phase change material (PCM)-based thermal energy storage (TES) systems into building designs. This review focuses on using bio-based phase change materials (BPCMs) in TES applications, which could contribute to lower energy consumption in the construction sector. Recent advancements in BPCM technology indicate that these substances, derived from renewable resources such as paraffin and fatty acids, can achieve thermal storage capacities similar to traditional PCMs. BPCMs function like thermal batteries, absorbing, storing, and releasing thermal energy through phase transitions, typically between 20 °C and 30 °C. This process helps stabilize indoor climates and decreases reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. This article comprehensively assesses the properties, thermal performance, and applications of BPCMs in building materials. It also provides an essential evaluation of life cycle assessment (LCA) and financial feasibility. Its purpose is to guide the research, engineering, and policy communities in adopting practical applications for sustainable construction practices. Integrating BPCMs in TES structures is crucial for improving sustainability and energy conservation in the construction industry. This approach offers a viable pathway toward creating more energy-efficient buildings. Furthermore, a comparative analysis is provided, evaluating BPCMs along different varieties of section trade substances, inclusive of natural, inorganic, and eutectic alternatives. This analysis specializes in numerous crucial factors: price, energy performance, and environmental impact. The review addresses challenges such as heat transfer costs, compatibility with conventional building materials, and policy implications.

Preparation and assessment of a novel hydrated salt PCM applied for intermittent floor radiant heating systems

Intermittent floor radiant heating is widely employed in building heating systems. However, it suffers large indoor air temperature fluctuations due to its intermission. The integration of phase change material (PCM) can significantly mitigate this issue. In this study, Na2HPO4·12H2O and Na2SO4·10H2O were used as raw materials, with expanded perlite (EP) as the porous medium, to prepare a shaped composite phase change material (EPPCM). This material was then blended into mortar to produce a novel phase change mortar (EPPCM-M). Experiments were carried out to evaluate its heat storage performances. Compared to normal mortar, EPPCM-M of 25 mm thickness mitigates temperature fluctuations, with the peak temperature on the cold end reduced by about 2.5 °C and a slower cooling rate on the hot end. To assess the practical application of EPPCM in buildings, a simulation study was conducted. A room model of 4 × 4 × 3 m was built and subjected to radiant floor heating for 8 h daily, under the winter climate conditions of Shanghai from November 15th to March 14th. The results showed that the EPPCM-M can effectively suppress temperature fluctuations in both the floor surface and average indoor air temperatures. From February 27th to March 5th, the maximum fluctuation of floor surface temperature was reduced by 55.4 %, the maximum fluctuation of average indoor air temperature was reduced by 39.5 %. The application of the EPPCM-M in intermittent floor radiant heating not only ensures indoor thermal comfort but also achieves heat's “peak load shifting”, improving indoor comfort, reducing heating energy consumption, and promoting building energy efficiency.

Building the Future: Integrating Phase Change Materials in Network of Nanogrids (NoN)

Buildings consume 10% of global energy and 50% of global electricity for heating and cooling. Transitioning to energy-efficient buildings is essential to address the global energy challenge and meet sustainable development goals (SDGs) to limit global temperature rise below 1.5 °C. The shift from traditional to smart grids has led to the development of micro, milli, and nanogrids, which share energy resources symbiotically and balance heating/cooling demands dealing with acute doldrums (dunkelflaute). This scoping review explores the methods by which phase change materials (PCMs) can be used in residential buildings to form a nanogrid. This review examines the components and concepts that promote the seamless integration of PCMs in residential houses. It also discusses the key challenges (e.g., scalability, stability, and economic feasibility in high summer temperatures), proposing the community-scale network of nanogrids (NoN) and the potential of thermochromic and photochromic materials. The findings of this review highlight the importance of latent heat storage methods and ingenious grid architectures such as nanogrids to construct resilient and sustainable houses in the future and thereby offer practical insights for policymakers and industries in the energy sector.

A novel PCM-based foam concrete for heat transfer in buildings -Experimental developments and simulation modelling

Foam concrete is renowned for its lightweight and versatile properties, such as good thermal insulation, airborne sound absorption and adequate compressive strength. Phase change materials are recognized for their heat storage characteristics. The current study investigates the enhancement of building envelope thermal performance by integrating phase change materials in foam concrete composites. The phase change material (PCM) developed using exfoliated vermiculite impregnated with capric acid and absolute ethanol demonstrated optimal thermal stability. Among the various foam concrete mix composites, PCM in addition to the nano silica and coconut fibre (PNC) mix showed improved mechanical and thermal properties. Test results showed that optimum mix (PNC-5 %) possess a compressive strength of 7.96 MPa, with a thermal conductivity of 0.15 W/mK. The nano silica added in the PNC mix reacted with CH rapidly for the formation of C-S-H and filled the pores, which improved the bonding and reduced the brittleness of the samples, which is also evident from the SEM images. The PNC-5 % sample mixture exhibited a melting and freezing point of 31.42 °C and 21.08 °C respectively, with a latent thermal storage 9.72 J/g for freezing and 17.55 J/g melting. Scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the compatibility and high thermal resistance of PNC-5 %. TGA results confirmed that the mass loss corresponding to CH content was slightly lesser for the PNC-5 % mixture than for the PCM mixture, due to the inclusion of nano silica in the case of PNC-5 %. COMSOL Multiphysics ® software model analysis is implemented for validation of thermal characteristics of the developed PCM-impregnated foam concrete wall panel for insulation in buildings, emphasizing the potential for enhanced thermal comfort compared to that of noninsulated structures. This research proves the efficacy of PNC insulated foam concrete composites for sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions, paving the way for advancements in building applications.

Experimental study of advanced phase change materials to optimise the thermal storage performance of radiant floors: Towards a low-carbon energy system for grassland pastoral settlements

Building on the advancements in integrating phase change materials (PCM) within building envelopes to enhance thermal performance, this paper explores the use of slag cement combined with PCM to significantly improve the heat storage performance of radiant floors. The study involved the preparation of a heat storage composite mortar by mixing 0–10 % PCM into slag cement mortar using a specialized process. The thermal performance test shows that the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of radiant floor decreased by 9 % and 10 % respectively with 1 % increase of PCM. Through SEM and DSC analysis, it was determined that incorporating more than 4 % PCM markedly enhances the mortar's thermal storage capacity, with 7 % identified as the optimal maximum addition. The utilization of an experimental platform within an environmental chamber to test a radiant floor module with a 5 % PCM replacement (3.26 wt%) demonstrated a 12.5 % increase in heating efficiency and a 15 min delay in peak heat flow during the exothermic process. Additionally, adding 10 % PCM increased the surface temperature of the radiant floor by 18 %, and a water supply temperature of 45 °C further elevated the surface temperature by 21 %. These findings suggest that the PCM improves the thermal insulation, the heat transfer efficiency and heat storage performance of the radiant floor, facilitates the integration of abundant renewable resources, and further integrates the system with the solar energy, thus providing a way to solve the energy-environmental balance of grassland pastoral dwellings.

Experimental study on optical properties of various paraffin-based PCM glazing unit and radiative transfer model optimization

Integrating phase change material (PCM) into glazing units can lead to the ability of dynamic response to solar radiation and enhance thermal mass. In order to clarify the optical performance of phase change material glazing unit (PCMGU) during the dynamic response stage, this study analyzes the variations of transmittance and reflectance of PCMGUs filled with different paraffins during phase change process, by using a spectrophotometer and a temperature measurement device. Additionally, the impact of the paraffin cooling rate on this process was also examined. The experimental results indicate that: (1) During the solid-liquid phase change process, the curve of PCMGU transmittance and reflectance versus paraffin temperature exhibits a significant linear characteristic, with 75–93 % of transmittance and reflectance changes appearing during this stage; (2) Adjusting the paraffin cooling rate does not alter this linear characteristic; (3) Approximately 19 % and 36 % of PCMGU transmittance and reflectance changes occur during the solid-solid phase change process, respectively. Finally, based on the experimental patterns, the radiative transfer model for PCMGU was optimized, reducing its calculation error to a range of 0.17–0.92 times that of previous models (in terms of root mean square error).

Three-Dimensional CFD Analysis of a Hot Water Storage Tank with Various Inlet/Outlet Configurations

This study presents a comprehensive 3D numerical analysis of thermal stratification, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer efficiency across six hot water storage tank configurations, identified as Tank-1 through Tank-6. The objective is to determine the most effective design for achieving uniform temperature distribution, stable stratification, and efficient heat retention in sensible heat storage systems, with potential for integration with phase change materials (PCMs). Using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6, simulations were conducted to evaluate key performance indicators, including the Richardson number, capacity ratio, and exergy efficiency. Among the tanks, Tank-1 demonstrated the highest efficiency, with a capacity ratio of 84.6% and an exergy efficiency of 72.5%, while Tank-3, which achieved a capacity ratio of 70.2% and exergy efficiency of 50.5%, was identified as the most practical for real-world applications due to its balanced heat distribution and feasibility for PCM integration. Calculated dimensionless numbers (Reynolds number: 635, Prandtl number: 4.5, and Peclet number: 2858) indicated laminar flow and dominant convective heat transfer across all the configurations. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of efficient thermal storage systems, with Tank-3’s configuration offering a practical balance of thermal performance and operational feasibility. Future work will explore the inclusion of PCM containers within Tank-3, as well as applications for heat pump and solar water heaters, and high-temperature heat storage with various working fluids.