Modeling of Energy Demand and Savings Associated with the Use of Epoxy-Phase Change Material Formulations

This manuscript integrates the experimental findings of recently developed epoxy-phase change material (PCM) formulations with modeling efforts aimed to determine the energy demands and savings derived from their use. The basic PCM system employed was composed of an epoxy resin, a thickening agent,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Materials 2020-01, Vol.13 (3), p.639
Main Authors: Arce, Elena, Agrawal, Richa, Suárez, Andrés, Febrero, Lara, Luhrs, Claudia C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Additives
Boron
Boron nitride
Carbon fibers
Conductivity
Cooling
Cost control
Energy efficiency
Epoxy resins
Formulations
Heat conductivity
Heat transmission
Latent heat
Modelling
Nanofibers
Particulates
Phase change materials
Phase transitions
Simulation
Software
Temperature profiles
Thermal energy
Thickening agents
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Summary:This manuscript integrates the experimental findings of recently developed epoxy-phase change material (PCM) formulations with modeling efforts aimed to determine the energy demands and savings derived from their use. The basic PCM system employed was composed of an epoxy resin, a thickening agent, and nonadecane, where the latter was the hydrocarbon undergoing the phase transformation. Carbon nanofibers (CNF) and boron nitride (BN) particulates were used as heat flow enhancers. The thermal conductivities, densities, and latent heat determined in laboratory settings were introduced in a model that calculated, using EnergyPlus software, the energy demands, savings and temperature profiles of the interior and the walls of a shelter for six different locations on Earth. A shipping container was utilized as exemplary dwelling. Results indicated that all the epoxy-PCM formulations had a positive impact on the total energy savings (between 16% and 23%) for the locations selected. The use of CNF and BN showed an increase in performance when compared with the formulation with no thermal filler additives. The formulations selected showed great potential to reduce the energy demands, increase savings, and result in more adequate temperatures for living and storage spaces applications.
ISSN:1996-1944
1996-1944
DOI:10.3390/ma13030639