Investigation on composite phase change materials for energy-saving buildings

Abstract

The building envelope plays a critical role in providing structures with the required energy and thermal comfort performance. Recent studies that concentrate on novel approaches and methodologies have incorporated improvement solutions in this area. The primary strategies used here are examined in order to pinpoint cutting-edge and successful approaches, with an emphasis on phase change materials (PCM). A growing number of building materials are incorporating PCMs due to their improved phase transition heat-storage and release capabilities. In this study, the melt impregnation process was used to create composites made of petroleum wax and metallic foam with a 90% porosity and pore densities of 10 PPI, 20 PPI, and 40 PPI. Two identically sized building models were constructed from gypsum board. Foam insulation board was used to cover the roof of the reference model, while phase change board made of 40 ppi copper foam composite was used to conceal the experimental model's roof. There was a steady flow of heat during the heat transfer experiment.