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Thermal Energy Storage by the Encapsulation of Phase Change Materials in Building Elements-A Review
José Luis Reyez-Araiza1, Jorge Pineda-Piñón2, José M López-Romero3
1División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Ingeniería, C. U. Cerro de las Campanas, Centro, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro 76010, Qro., Mexico.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 3, 2021
Summary
Phase change materials (PCMs) enhance building energy efficiency by storing latent heat. This review covers PCM encapsulation methods and highlights the need for more research into eco-friendly, bio-based PCMs for sustainable construction.
Area of Science:
- Building science and sustainable energy solutions.
- Materials science and thermal energy storage.
Background:
- Buildings are significant energy consumers, driving the need for innovative energy-saving technologies.
- Phase change materials (PCMs) offer a solution by enhancing thermal storage capacity in building elements through latent heat absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review macro and micro encapsulation methods for incorporating PCMs into construction materials.
- To emphasize the importance of developing and researching bio-based PCMs as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based options.
- To explore the potential of PCM-lightweight aggregate concrete (PCM-LWA) for improved thermophysical and mechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PCM encapsulation techniques for construction applications.
- Analysis of research papers focusing on the encapsulation process of PCMs.
- Inclusion of a dedicated section on PCM-LWA concrete to assess its viability.
Main Results:
- Macro-encapsulation is identified as the most practical method for integrating PCMs into building components.
- A significant research gap exists in the processing and characterization of bio-based PCMs.
- PCM-LWA concrete shows promise for evaluating the thermophysical and mechanical behavior of environmentally friendly PCMs.
Conclusions:
- Further investigation into bio-based PCMs is crucial for developing sustainable building materials.
- Encapsulation techniques, particularly macro-encapsulation, are key to utilizing PCMs effectively in construction.
- PCM-LWA concrete warrants further study as a potential application for eco-friendly thermal energy storage in buildings.
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