A Summary Review on Experimental Studies for PCM Building Applications: Towards Advanced Modular Prototype

Abstract

The use of phase change material (PCM) as a thermal energy storage system integrated in new buildings, and as retrofits in old buildings, proved its merit as promising renewable energy source. Heating and cooling building applications of PCM have been studied by plenty of scientists, globally, on the basis of numerical and experimental analysis. The performed experiments have mainly focused on one application—active or passive—using permanent prototype design for a certain duration and weather condition. The current study is a new review that focuses on two complementary aspects: (1) Reviewing latest studies in PCM domain and assessing the thermal performance of implemented prototypes within the conducted PCM experimental studies, namely, the effect of the design on the number of acceptable variables and possible PCM applications; and (2) suggesting a new, advanced, flexible, and modular prototype designed to enable several applications of PCM to be adapted and combined within the model. It was implied that the new design allows different configurations that are lacking in the literature and serves for future PCM building applications of thermal analysis towards PCM integration optimization, as an attempt for transforming residential compartments into net zero energy buildings. The designed prototype overcomes the deficiencies found in previous reviewed experimental facilities.

Perspective on the Development of Energy Storage Technology Using Phase Change Materials in the Construction Industry: A Review

“…Direct embedding and immersion are the simplest and least expensive methods. The former involves embedding PCM directly into the mix design of a mortar or concrete [49]; the latter, on the other hand, involves immersing a (relatively porous) building material in a PCM, which is then absorbed into its pores by capillary action. Absorption of a PCM can take place at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum [50].…”

Phase Change Materials (PCM) As A Passive System in The Opaque Building Envelope: A Simulation-Based Analysis

“…Yang et al (2015) evaluated this idea and demonstrated how the combined benefits of PCM's storage capacity and polyurethane foams' insulation performance have a significant potential to increase building energy efficiency (Yang et al, 2015). The majority of PCM investigations to date have concentrated only on TES capacity (Faraj et al, 2022), ignoring some of the characteristics that make PCMs ideal thermal insulating materials, such as their strong heat transfer resistance and low thermal conductivity (de Gracia & Cabeza, 2015). Further investigation is required in order to adapt this novel thermal insulating material.…”

“…Over the last few decades, PCM application has been the subject of two types of studies: experimental or numerical/ simulation (Faraj et al, 2022). Comparing simulations to experimental studies from an economic standpoint, simulations can be more desirable because they are more costeffective and have a shorter life cycle (Faraj et al, 2022).…”

“…Over the last few decades, PCM application has been the subject of two types of studies: experimental or numerical/ simulation (Faraj et al, 2022). Comparing simulations to experimental studies from an economic standpoint, simulations can be more desirable because they are more costeffective and have a shorter life cycle (Faraj et al, 2022). On the other hand, methods for estimating a building's energy requirements and energy flows evolved along with computer technologies, ranging from basic to extremely complicated numerical methods (Vukadinović et .…”

A Novel Bio-Architectural Temporary Housing Designed for the Mediterranean Area: Theoretical and Experimental Analysis

“…Nevertheless, the use of the same cork panels could be counterproductive in summer because they could favor indoor overheating in the presence of high transmitted solar gains. Therefore, the inclusion of a proper bio-PCM, was considered for the envelope assembling in order to store the energy gains surplus in the form of latent heat, delaying the indoor air temperature dropping in winter and attenuating the indoor air temperature peaks in summer [20]. When PCMs are derived from natural elements, the need to make building envelopes with sustainable and recyclable materials is completely met.…”