Evaluation of energy consumption in apartment buildings with biochar and phase‐change material aggregate‐applied artificial stone finishing materials

Abstract

Artificial stones for architectural finishing satisfy the aesthetic needs of building occupants and can be easily mixed with other materials. In this study, the thermal inertia of specimens prepared using lightweight aggregate vacuum impregnated with n-octadecane was improved, and the thermal conductivity was improved by mixing biochar having micropores with cement. The applicability of the specimens to apartment buildings in various climatic zones was analyzed. The specimens showed noPCM leakage and were stable in terms of strength and morphology. In addition, they exhibited low thermal conductivity depending on the use of biochar. Simulation results revealed that apartments in the climatic zone with the highest average annual temperature exhibited the highest reduction in cooling energy. The monthly cooling energy reduction was generally evenly distributed in the Bsh, Cfa, and Cfb regions, and the cooling energy decrease was concentrated in cold climate regions, such as in the Dfa and Dfb regions. In the Dfa region, there is a risk of heating energy increasing when the seasons change, and in regions having extreme climatic conditions (ie, excessively hot or cold), the PCM does not change its phase appropriately. Therefore, the application of a PCM appropriate for the climate can help effectively save energy consumption in buildings. Highlights• Biochar and PCM can contribute to the thermoregulation of buildings and increase indoor thermal comfort.• Artificial stone for interior finishing of buildings that integrates biochar and PCM was manufactured.• Building energy simulations for eight climatic zones were performed.• Interior finishes incorporating biochar and PCM contribute to building energy savings.

Multifunctional porosity in biochar

“…Further studies about the biomass-derived porous carbons composite PCMs for building energy efficiency have been proposed by Jiang et al, 2022, and by Kim et al, 2022. In these studies, biochar is recognized as an environmentally friendly product able of enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings.…”

Preparation and Performance of Inorganic Hydrated Salt-Based Composite Materials for Temperature and Humidity Regulation

“…The thermal energy can be effectively stored and released using its phase change characteristics, which is expected to achieve the regulation of the thermal environment [8][9][10]. A large number of literatures have reported that PCMs can be integrated into building envelopes [11][12][13]. The reasonable structure design reduced the temperature fluctuation and improved thermal comfort, which was conducive to reducing energy consumption and rationalizing energy use.…”

An experimental and numerical study to enhance the thermal characteristics of LA/CuO/Al2O3 nanocomposites as a phase change material for building cooling applications

“…Biochar and PCM‐based interior coatings help to energy savings in buildings. [ 23 ] Nourani et al, explored PCMs made from paraffin and aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) nanoparticles treated with an SSL emulsifier in another work. The findings revealed that the existence of an SSL emulsifier caused the sample to be stable, but the specimen without SSL was unstable and precipitated after 1 day.…”