Use Of Phase Change Materials Research Articles

Development of PCM tile for residential buildings in hot and dry climate: design and optimization

In recent years, the building sector has become more conscious of sustainability, and the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in concrete has gained more attraction. Integration of PCM with building facades is a successful method to reduce energy consumption and improve human comfort. However, no single PCM can work in an all-weather scenario. Hence, in this research work, an attempt is made to select a suitable PCM for Chennai city, India, and this methodology can be employed at any geographical location. The PCM tile is designed by including certain features to increase the thermal conductivity of the PCM zone. The optimum design of the PCM tile is achieved through multi-objective optimization techniques. L27 orthogonal array is employed, and all the tests were conducted through validated numerical simulation. Redesigned PCM tile includes a PCM layer of 2 cm thickness with a 10% mix of copper nanoparticles covered by plaster. Redesigned PCM tile reduces the peak indoor temperature by 6.62℃ compared with conventional roof systems.

Systematic review of the use of phase change material (PCM) in concrete and the fire performance of PCM in concrete

ABSTRACT The Mechanical properties of concrete significantly deteriorate when exposed to fire, with explosive spalling posing a major threat to structural integrity. This highlights the need for effective insulation systems to protect concrete structures in fire conditions. However, current insulation solutions are typically installed externally, requiring additional labour and materials. This review explores the potential of incorporating Phase Change Materials (PCMs) directly into concrete as an embedded insulation system. As a latent heat storage material, PCM offers promising fire-resistant properties, reducing the need for external insulation while improving the fire performance of concrete. This paper presents a bibliometric analysis and a systematic review of recent publications on the use of PCMs in concrete and their fire performance applications. One thousand two hundred and four publications retrieved from Scopus© and Web of Science databases were passed through the PRISMA flowchart to obtain a database of recent literature on the study area. The current trend of research shows a shift towards inorganic PCMs in concrete. There is a significant lack of studies on using inorganic and eutectic PCM in concrete for fire applications and existing studies show inorganic PCM can be a viable solution. Commercial availability and lack of synthesised encapsulated PCM were found to be barriers to research.

Optimizing modified asphalt binder performance at high and intermediate temperatures using experimental and machine learning approaches

Asphalt pavements are highly susceptible to temperature-induced stresses, which can lead to significant deterioration such as rutting at high temperatures and cracking at low temperatures. These challenges are exacerbated by global warming, which raises pavement temperatures and potentially accelerates material degradation. Addressing these issues, this study utilizes two base asphalt binders, PG 64–22 and PG 76–22, and the use of phase change materials (PCMs) like styrene-butadiene-styrene, lignin, and ground tire rubber to enhance the resilience of asphalt binders. Through an extensive experimental investigation, which includes aging processes such as rolling thin film oven and pressure aging vessel, alongside a series of both traditional and advanced tests (including dynamic shear rheometer, rotational viscometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, among others), a comprehensive set of 51 samples were analysed. By incorporating these binders and PCMs into asphalt, the experimental work demonstrated a significant improvement in the thermal and mechanical properties, effectively increasing resistance to high-temperature rutting and fatigue cracking. Complementing the experimental approach, machine learning models were employed to predict complex asphalt binder properties, such as combustion value and failure temperature, based on the experimental data. This dual approach fills a significant gap in the literature by offering a more efficient method and prediction model for optimizing pavement materials amidst climate change, while also promising to significantly advance pavement technology by enhancing material design and performance.

A computational analysis of the impact of nanofluids (Al2O3)on the PCM melting process in a rectangular container

The effect of nanofluids on the melting process of PCMs (RT58 paraffin wax) in a rectangle container is a topic of interest for many researchers. The use of nanofluids in PCMs can lead to faster and more efficient melting, resulting in improved energy storage and cooling performance. This paper has studied four cases with varying percentages of nanofluids. The percentage of nanofluid in PCM can affect the material's thermal conductivity and heat transfer performance. By varying the percentage of nanofluids, researchers aim to optimize the use of these in PCMs to achieve the best melting performance. Findings have shown that increasing the percentage of nanofluids in PCM can lead to improved thermal conductivity and heat transfer performance. However, at high concentrations (30% percent), the viscosity of the nanofluid can increase, leading to a decrease in heat transfer performance. Results show that at 30 min, PCM with 30% nanofluid melts 13.79% more than PCM without. Using 20% nanofluid in the PCM results in a melting percentage of 7.41%, decreasing to 3.85% at 10%.The specific application and the type of nanofluid used determine the optimal concentration of nanofluid in PCMs. This study is important for the use of phase-change materials in the cooling of large electronic devices.

An Innovative Heating Solution for Sustainable Agriculture: A Feasibility Study on the Integration of Phase Change Materials as Passive Heating Elements

In this study, we investigate an innovative option for the ecological management of agricultural land. The focus is on the use of phase change materials (PCMs) for passive temperature regulation in greenhouses and fruit crop fields in order to reduce yield losses due to unforeseen late frost events. The use of PCMs represents a novel approach to enhancing crop growth and extending growing seasons without relying on conventional energy-intensive methods, providing a stable microclimate that can protect plants from cold stress. This passive regulation of temperature helps to reduce the need for fossil fuel-based heating systems, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. The application of PCMs in agricultural settings is particularly innovative as it leverages naturally occurring temperature variations to create a self-sustaining, low-maintenance solution that aligns with the principles of sustainable farming. This approach not only improves energy efficiency but also contributes to the resilience of agricultural practices in the face of climate variability. This study focuses on the possible use of PCMs in passive heating modules for the protection of potted plants in greenhouses. Various PCMs such as paraffin, beeswax, and shea butter were tested. Experiments were then conducted, using one kind of paraffin-based PCM, in a specially designed module. In addition, an FEM simulation model (CFD) was built and tested. The model was used to perform detailed analyses of the heat transfer efficiency, fluid dynamics, and overall performance of the modules. The model can also be used for optimization purposes (e.g., efficiency improvements).

Phase change materials in building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) envelopes: A strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats analysis

This paper examines the use of Phase Change Materials (PCM) in Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. To assess the performance of BIPV–PCM systems, the study employs a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The study features the advantages of using PCMs with BIPV envelopes. The benefits include lower heating and cooling requirements, shifted peak loads and increased thermal comfort. However, there are several challenges like heat loss and lower energy efficiency which needs to be addressed. Further, the potential for reduced PCM efficiency over time is recognized. The paper concludes by recommending further research on alternative PCM placement strategies, enhanced PCM formulations, gypsum board integration and the evaluation of PCMs combined with nanoparticles.

Composite energy storage cement-based mortar including coal gasification slag/paraffin shape-stabilized phase change material: physical, mechanical, thermal properties

Using renewable sources to generate energy is an approach to realize a sustainable energy system. Utilizing gasification slag, a solid waste from the coal gasification process, as a porous material not only substantially increases the value of the waste but also enhances thermal performance. This study develops a novel shape-stabilized coal gasification slag/paraffin (CGS-P) phase-change material for use in cement mortar to reduce indoor temperature fluctuations. Using a simple impregnation method, paraffin is incorporated into porous coal gasification slag to produce CGS-P. Coal gasification slag containing 30 % paraffin (CGS-P(30 %)) can maintain its structure without leakage at 60 °C. The thermal and chemical characteristics as well as the specific surface area of CGS-P(30 %) are characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results of XRD and FT-IR analyses indicate that CGS-P(30 %) is a combination of paraffin and CGS, with no new substances formed. Furthermore, the BET, SEM, and TGA results confirm that the pores in CGS can effectively encapsulate approximately 30 % paraffin and that CGS-P(30 %) exhibits good thermal stability. The DSC analysis results show that CGS-P(30 %) has suitable phase-change temperatures and latent heat (18.02 °C and 59.30 J/g, respectively, during the endothermic phase). Furthermore, incorporating 30 % CGS-P(30 %) into the cement mortar (CESCM30) results in good mechanical and thermal performance. Particularly in hot climates, CESCM30 can notably reduce indoor temperatures, alleviate indoor cooling energy consumption, and indirectly reduce CO2 emissions. Therefore, CGS derived CGS-P is a promising material for accommodating solar thermal energy.

Transient thermal management of laser systems using Plate-Fin phase change heat Exchangers: Experimental and computational study

To mitigate transient thermal shocks in lasers and reduce thermal stresses caused by temperature fluctuations, the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in thermal management systems is a viable solution. This study proposes an innovative two-dimensional transient heat transfer model specifically designed for plate-fin phase change heat exchangers (PFPCHEs). The model meticulously simulates the complex heat transfer phenomena within the heat exchanger, including fluid convection, solid thermal conduction, and the phase change processes of PCM. The convective heat transfer coefficient between fluid and plate is calculated using the Wieting correlation. An advanced pulse-mode experimental test platform was constructed to validate the model, dynamically monitoring and recording outlet temperatures and heat exchange performance for stringent experimental comparison. The research explores the impact of key operating parameters such as initial temperature, flow rate, and inlet temperature of the cooling cycle on the performance of the heat exchanger, providing valuable design and control strategies for transient thermal management of laser systems. The experimental results confirm that the model accurately predicts the dynamic response characteristics and temperature distribution of PFPCHEs under multi-cycle pulse loads, with 96% of the predictions within a 10% error margin. A significant finding is that the initial temperature has negligible influence on the heat transfer characteristics when it is below the solid phase temperature of the PCM. Moreover, by meticulously adjusting the flow rate and inlet temperature of cooling cycle, it is possible to effectively maintain the stability of the outlet temperature throughout the entire pulse cycle. This is crucial for minimizing temperature fluctuations within the thermal management system and extending the service life of electronic components.

Systematic literature review of software tools for modeling heat transfer in phase change materials for building applications

Abstract New buildings in the European Union must attain nearly zero-energy status, emphasizing minimal energy consumption, partly met by on-site or nearby renewable sources. However, the fluctuating nature of on-site renewables poses a challenge, necessitating effective energy storage solutions. Addressing this, the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in building envelopes emerges as a promising trend. PCMs efficiently store excess thermal energy during abundance and release it when renewable generation falls short, ensuring a consistent energy supply. Introducing novel building components is time-intensive, with on-site testing demanding substantial resources. Numerical studies offer an efficient alternative, making modeling tools crucial. These tools facilitate exploration of design concepts under diverse conditions, allowing iterative refinement and optimization. This paper conducts a systematic literature review evaluating five prominent software programs—COMSOL, ANSYS, MATLAB, EnergyPlus, and TRNSYS—designed for modeling heat transfer within PCMs for building applications. In closer detail paper explores the use of ANSYS for heat transfer analysis for phase change materials.

A numerical study on summer operation performance of PCM wallboard cooling tower coupling system in hot-summer and cold-winter regions of China

The use of phase change materials in building envelopes shows promise in reducing overall building energy consumption. Researchers are focusing on designing optimal wall structures based on varying climate characteristics to enhance building energy efficiency. This study presents a novel system that couples phase change material wallboard with cooling tower. In the summer months, the system efficiently utilizes cooling water to dissipate heat stored in the phase change material during the day, thereby maximizing the utilization of the phase change material. The research includes the design and optimization of a southward prefabricated phase change material wallboard and evaluates the long-term performance of the phase change material wallboard cooling tower coupling system through a validated numerical model. The optimization findings indicate that the system achieves maximum energy savings with a cooling water flow velocity of 0.0125 m/s. Moreover, double-level control shows a substantial improvement in system performance compared to single-level control. Long-term operation results demonstrate that the phase change material wallboard cooling tower coupling system effectively reduces indoor heat gain during summer, with a cumulative indoor heat gain of −16.29 kWh/m2, representing a 343.5 % reduction compared to the common wallboard. The system has the potential to significantly decrease power consumption in air-conditioning systems, particularly in regions with hot summers and cold winters.

Multi-objective optimization of energy and thermal comfort using insulation and phase change materials in residential buildings

Recently, due to the increasing demand for energy and the identification of fossil fuels and their pollution, the focus on renewable energy is increasing day by day, so the use of renewable energy and energy-saving techniques is very important. PCMs are one of the most effective means of thermal energy storage, whose task is to change phase with increasing temperature, store thermal energy, and release this energy with decreasing temperature. This is one of the applications of these materials in building walls. In this research, the aim is to analyze and investigate the use of phase change materials in addition to thermal insulation. For this purpose, optimization in terms of energy and thermal comfort of residents has been done by the response surface method. Four Iranian cities with different climates—Tehran, Bandar Abbas, Tabriz, and Rasht—have undergone this optimization. According to the results, it can be concluded that the best temperature for the heating thermostat is approximately 20 °C and for the cooling thermostat, approximately 28 °C and 25 °C. Also, the best thermal insulation and PCMs are polyurethane and BioPCMDSCM27Q21. The thickness of the thermal insulation in the range between 6.9 cm and 9.8 cm is chosen as optimal, and the thickness of the phase change material is approximately 5 cm optimal for all cities (except Tehran). Due to the optimization of thermal comfort between 25 and 60 %, heating electricity between 43 and 99 % and cooling electricity between 38 and 52 % have been improved.

Numerical analysis is being conducted to investigate the effect of Nano fluids on the melting process of phase change materials (PCMs) in a semi-cylindrical container.

Analytical investigation of the impact of Nano fluids on the melting process of phase change materials (PCM) inside a semi-cylindrical container. In order to analyse the study in a quantitative manner, the combination of enthalpy and porosity was used using the ANSYS/FLUENT 22 programme. This experiment used phase transition materials, namely paraffin wax (RT58). Based on the findings of this research, it is seen that the inclusion of Nano fluid in the PCMs accelerates the dissolving process compared to the PCMs without these materials. The use of nanomaterials results in a reduction in the time needed to complete the melting process by 3 %, 4 %, and 5 % when used at concentrations of 10 %, 20 %, and 30 %, respectively. This study is important for the use of phase-change materials in the cooling of large electronic devices.

Experimental and numerical assessment of thermal characteristics of PCM in a U-shaped heat exchanger using porous metal foam and NanoPowder

The utilization of Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES) has gained significant attention to address the disparity between energy supply and demand. One of the key advantages lies in the use of phase change materials (PCM). The purpose of this research is to overcome this obstacle by focusing on enhancing the thermal efficiency of an advanced thermal energy storage system specifically designed for solar domestic and industrial application. to overcome this obstacle by focusing on enhancing the thermal efficiency of an advanced thermal energy storage system specifically designed for solar domestic and industrial application. Through computational and experimental studies, a novel and small LHTES system with parallel U-shaped heat exchanger (USHX) has been created and investigated. To improve performance, two approaches are employed: optimizing thermal efficiency by dispersing nano-sized graphite powders into the paraffin material, and/or incorporating metal foams. The PCM is RT35HC, and the hot/cold heat transfer fluid is H2O, which travels via the U-shaped tube. The model incorporates the enthalpy-porosity technique to account for phase change phenomena. After comparing the numerical outcomes with the experiments herein run, data are shown in terms of liquid fraction, temperature evolution, stored energy, and a dimensionless parameter that characterizes the phase change process. The findings suggest that the proposed methods for enhancing heat transfer can enhance the thermal efficiency of systems. The outcomes illustrate that by addition of all methods, reduces the melting time by 13.39 %, 60.77 %, and 71.93 %, when compared to system with pure PCM.

Preparation of microencapsulated phase change materials for use in feminine hygiene napkins based on pH response

Preparation of microencapsulated phase change materials for use in feminine hygiene napkins based on pH response

A Review Paper on Effect of Different Parameters to Optimize Yield of Solar Still

The worldwide demand of potable water is continuously increasing because of population and industrial growth, the result is the shortage of water in many places of the world. To overcome these problems there is a demand for some supportable sources for the purification of water, one of them is solar still. Solar still is a device used to convert brackish or saline water in to drinkable water. In this article a review of different parameters affecting the performance of solar still (like climatic conditions, design, absorber materials, Internal and external reflectors, energy storing materials) has been studied. Use of phase change materials in basin caused significant enhancement in productivity of solar still whereas use of external condenser coupled with single basin solar still increased the productivity. Considering some design parameter while design and development of solar still affects very much distillate of solar still. Key Words: Solar Still, Desalination, Purification of brackish water, distiller.

Recent Advances and Developments in Phase Change Materials in High-Temperature Building Envelopes: A Review of Solutions and Challenges

The use of phase change materials (PCMs) has become an increasingly common way to reduce a building’s energy usage when added to the building envelope. This developing technology has demonstrated improvements in thermal comfort and energy efficiency, making it a viable building energy solution. The current study intends to provide a comprehensive review of the published studies on the utilization of PCMs in various constructions of energy-efficient roofs, walls, and ceilings. The research question holds massive potential to unlock pioneering solutions for maximizing the usefulness of PCMs in reducing cooling demands, especially in challenging high-temperature environments. Several issues with PCMs have been revealed, the most significant of which is their reduced effectiveness during the day due to high summer temperatures, preventing them from crystallizing at night. However, this review investigates how PCMs can delay the peak temperature time, reducing the number of hours during which the indoor temperature exceeds the thermal comfort range. Additionally, the utilization of PCMs can improve the building’s energy efficiency by mitigating the need for cooling systems during peak hours. Thus, selecting the right PCM for high temperatures is both critical and challenging. Insulation density, specific heat, and thermal conductivity all play a role in heat transfer under extreme conditions. This study introduces several quantification techniques and paves the way for future advancements to accommodate practical and technical solutions related to PCM usage in building materials.

Analyzing the impact of using phase change materials on energy consumption in buildings: A case study

The use of phase change material (PCM) in buildings has been shown to be a promising method for reducing energy consumption. This study investigates the effectiveness of using PCM in reducing energy consumption in a typical residential building located in Podgorica, Montenegro, a city with mild winters and hot and dry summers. EnergyPlus software was used to simulate the thermal performance of a building with and without the incorporation of PCM. Building models were created in a way to incorporate PCM in form of a panel, and simulations were done with five different types of PCM, five different thicknesses and three different positions (outside, inside and middle of building envelope). The simulations were performed over a one-year period to account for seasonal variations in temperature and humidity. The simulation results indicate that the use of PCM in buildings design can significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings located in climates similar to Podgorica. This approach can also lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy consumption. These findings provide valuable insights for building designers and policymakers looking to reduce energy consumption and improve the sustainability of buildings. In conclusion, the results of this study support the use of PCM in building design as an effective strategy for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings. Further research is needed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of using PCM in buildings design and to explore the potential for their widespread implementation.

Investigating the performance improvement of lithium-ion battery cooling process using copper fins and phase change materials (PCMs)

This study investigates utilizing phase change materials (PCMs) along with metallic fins for passive cooling of lithium-ion batteries. PCMs have low thermal conductivity, which is enhanced by incorporating copper or aluminum fins. Numerical simulations using ANSYS FLUENT's Solidification & Melting solver in an axisymmetric configuration are performed. PCM cooling outperforms air cooling, providing up to 15 °C lower maximum battery temperatures as long as PCM remains solid. The findings from the analysis of air cooling versus cooling with PCM demonstrate that the use of phase-change materials enhances battery cooling performance for a specific duration, provided that these materials do not fully liquefy. Adding fins further improves cooling for 0.2 mm thickness, 6 copper fins of 11.67 mm height give optimal performance with 8 °C lower peak temperatures than without fins. Copper fins outperform aluminum due to 60 % higher thermal conductivity but have 3X higher density. For longitudinal fins, 4 fins of 10 mm height perform better than 10 fins of 3 mm height. With high conductivity PCMs like paraffin wax (0.242 W/m.K), varying fin count has minimal impact as heat distributes rapidly. This study establishes guidelines for optimizing PCM-fin geometries and materials to maximize passive lithium-ion battery cooling performance.

Assessment and validation of a numerical model for phase change materials heatsink on thermoelectric devices

The use of phase change materials (PCM) in heatsink designs are gaining attention due to its many favorable properties. Some PCM heatsinks designs have been suggested for use with thermoelectric cooling devices (TECs), however, the heatsink designs are often arbitrary where PCM is just added to voids within the heatsink to improve the thermal properties. There is a need to systematically understand the effects of PCM on TEC performance. While a numerical model is key to such systematic study and optimization, the application involves multiple physical phenomena and the resulting model can be prohibitively expensive to run. In this contribution, a numercical model using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is built to predict the performance of PCM heatsink for use with TECs as cooling wearable. Experiments are calibrated and carried out to prescribe the boundary conditions and ensure that the multiphysics phenomena are accurately captured. The numerical methodology described here can be used for design optimizations of PCM heatsinks to be used in conjunction with TECs. Our numerical model shows that for maximum TEC efficiency, the PCM should be kept at a liquid fraction of less than 40%.

Thermo-energy performance of a phase change material integrated into lightweight hollow concrete roofs in warm–subhumid climate

The use of phase change materials in building envelopes has attracted the attention of researchers to minimize cooling and heating loads and for thermal comfort regulation. A research gap was found regarding the numerical analysis of lightweight roofs with PCM considering conjugate heat transfer. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate the thermal performance of a lightweight hollow concrete roof with a phase change material (PCM) in a subhumid climate. Three roof configurations with two PCMs were numerically analyzed through computational fluid dynamics. Simulations were conducted using the open-source code OpenFoam and were verified and validated with good agreements proving the confidence of the proposed methodology for building envelope design purposes. The roof configurations with fully-filled PCM exhibited the best thermal behavior, reaching higher temperature reductions between 1.4 °C to 2.0 °C, respectively, and reductions of indoor peak heat flux by approximately 47 % compared with the reference case. The roof fully-filled with an inorganic PCM with a melting temperature of 25 °C was the most energy-efficient roof configuration because it achieved the highest energy savings of 65.5 %, lowest electricity costs of 0.85–4.33 USD m−2, and lowest CO2 emissions of approximately 18.31 kgCO2e m−2. The results demonstrated that the utilization of PCM into lightweight concrete roofs in subhumid climates is very promising.