Experimental and Computational Study of the Implementation of mPCM-Modified Gypsum Boards in a Test Enclosure

Abstract

The application of phase change materials (PCM) in the thermal envelope of buildings has proven to be an alternative to reduce energy consumption and to improve thermal comfort conditions. The present work evaluates the thermal behavior of gypsum boards modified with a microencapsulated PCM (mPCM) in a cubic test enclosure, considering the climatic conditions of Santiago de Chile in the September–November period of 2017. The design of the test enclosure was performed considering the minimization of parameters that affect the variation of its inner temperature and favoring the heat flow through the gypsum boards. Experimentally, the results reflect the main effects of the implementation of a mPCM, among which the displacement of the maximum heat load and the decrease in the daily oscillation of the internal temperature of the test enclosure (up to 2 °C) stand out. In addition, the mPCM modified gypsum board was thermally characterized to carry out a thermal simulation of the enclosures using EnergyPlus™. The obtained numerical results agree with those obtained experimentally, including the behavior of the transient heat flux through the gypsum boards. Moreover, it was found that considering a null infiltration rate gives place to unrealistic results, suggesting that this parameter should be controlled.

Application of Novel Phase Change Material Constructive Solution for Thermal Regulation of Passive Solar Buildings

“…Likewise, Mahdaoui et al [15] explored the application of a hollow building brick with microencapsulated PCM, achieving a 2 • C reduction in daily thermal amplitude. Similar positive outcomes were observed in the studies of gypsum boards modified with microencapsulated PCM [18] and a Trombe wall system enhanced with macroencapsulated PCM [20,21].…”

“…Notably, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recognized the use of PCMs as the system most capable of thermal latent heat storage in passive solar designs [9]. Due to their promising capabilities, PCMs have been extensively researched for innovative applications in buildings in recent years, including mortars and concrete [8,[10][11][12][13], masonry technologies and bricks [14,15], plastic foams [16], gypsum boards [17,18], and passive solar applications [19,20]. The integration of PCMs into building materials or systems offers a promising means of mitigating indoor temperature fluctuations, thereby enhancing overall energy efficiency.…”

Towards Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage: Classification, Improvements and Applications in the Building Sector

“…The implementation of PCM technology into gypsum boards has been studied since 1990 because gypsum boards are low-cost and they are used widely in plenty of constructional applications. Srinivasaraonaik et al [89] incorporated microencapsulated PCMs into gypsum mixture for gypsum boards. The addition of PCMs caused reduction in the compressive and flexural strength, while the porosity of the gypsum composites increased.…”

Analysis of Incorporating a Phase Change Material in a Roof for the Thermal Management of School Buildings in Hot-Humid Climates

“…Most of the previous studies focused on the use of PCMs have primarily considered walls and have neglected the potential for roofs, even though roofs represent significant heat gain. Although most attention has been paid to the installation of PCMs in walls, the ratio of studies discussing PCMs in roofs to those in walls is approximately 1:3 [4]; however, some studies have used experimental or numerical simulation methods to investigate the energy-saving potential of installing PCMs in roofs or floors to discuss the performance of heating systems [5][6][7]. Studies related to the installation of PCMs can be divided into two types, including reducing energy consumption in air-conditioned buildings and improving thermal comfort in non-air-conditioned buildings.…”