Experimental assessment of Phase Change Material (PCM) embedded bricks for passive conditioning in buildings

• Published in: Renewable energy 2020-04, Vol.149, p.587-599
• Main Authors: Saxena, Rajat, Rakshit, Dibakar, Kaushik, S.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Characterization; Differential scanning calorimeter; Energy conservation; Macro-encapsulation; Passive conditioning; Phase change materials
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.12.081

This study aims at providing a formidable solution to rapid increasing building energy demands. It projects Phase Change Material (PCM) incorporated bricks as a passive solution for cooling load abatement. The PCMs for this research are selected based on their thermal characteristics through Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and climatic conditions of the place. In this study, the experimental testing of PCM bricks under actual conditions, followed by, assessing the impact of various PCM configurations is carried out. The experiments are carried out for peak summer conditions, with ambient temperature above 40 °C, during the day. The temperature reduction of 4 °C–9.5 °C is observed across single and dual PCM layer bricks, compared to the conventional ones. The heat transfer reduction between 40% and 60% is observed, during the day. These bricks are also used to determine the effect of increasing the PCM thickness and using it in combination with fins, to assess the impact in terms of temperature and heat transfer to the inside surface. However, the results showed that using fins has a detrimental impact on temperature and heat flow. •Projecting PCM bricks as a sustainable building solution for passive conditioning.•DSC based PCM selection for a particular climatic condition.•Thermal assessment of PCM incorporated bricks with variable PCM thickness.•Effect of fins within a PCM incorporated brick.