Thermal Regulation Performance of Shape-Stabilized-Phase-Change-Material-Based Prefabricated Wall for Green Grain...

Current grain storage systems face challenges in maintaining stable temperatures while minimizing energy use. Traditional concrete walls offer limited thermal regulation, leading to increased reliance on active cooling systems. Research has shown that phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release thermal energy, but their integration into building components remains underexplored. Existing studies have focused on PCMs in controlled environments, but few have evaluated their performance in real-world storage applications. This gap motivated the investigation of shape-stabilized phase change materials (SSPCMs) for wall integration. The need for low-carbon, energy-efficient storage solutions is growing as global demand for grain increases. No prior work had resolved how SSPCM thickness and thermal conductivity affect wall performance in grain storage. This study aimed to address these uncertainties by testing SSPCM-based wall systems.

This study aimed to assess the thermal regulation capabilities of shape-stabilized phase change material (SSPCM) plates integrated into prefabricated granary walls. The goal was to determine how varying SSPCM thickness and thermal conductivity influence temperature control and energy efficiency in grain storage. The motivation stemmed from the need to reduce energy consumption in traditional cooling systems. The researchers sought to compare SSPCM walls with conventional concrete walls under summer conditions. They wanted to identify optimal SSPCM parameters for maximum energy savings. The study focused on paraffin-based SSPCMs combined with high-density polyethylene and expanded graphite. The objective was to evaluate how these materials could be applied to existing granary structures. The study also aimed to quantify the energy-saving potential of SSPCM walls in real-world scenarios.

The researchers fabricated SSPCM plates using paraffin, high-density polyethylene, and expanded graphite. These materials were selected for their thermal properties and compatibility with wall integration. The SSPCM plates were produced with varying thicknesses and thermal conductivities. Experimental setups were designed to simulate summer thermal conditions in grain storage facilities. Numerical modeling was used alongside physical experiments to predict thermal behavior. The SSPCM walls were compared to conventional concrete walls using temperature and energy consumption metrics. The study evaluated how different SSPCM thicknesses affected temperature rise in granary walls. The thermal conductivity of each SSPCM sample was measured and used in performance calculations.

The study found that increasing SSPCM thickness reduced wall temperature rise, but optimal performance occurred at 30 mm thickness. At this thickness, the maximum latent heat utilization rate was achieved. A thermal conductivity of 0.2 W/m·K provided the best energy-saving performance. Compared to concrete walls, the 30 mm SSPCM wall achieved a 35.83% energy-saving rate. The thermal conductivity of the SSPCM had a complex effect on thermal resistance and latent heat utilization. Higher conductivity did not always improve performance, indicating a trade-off. The 30 mm SSPCM wall showed the best balance between thermal stability and energy efficiency. These results suggest that SSPCM thickness and conductivity should be carefully selected for optimal performance.

The authors concluded that SSPCM-based granary walls offer improved thermal regulation compared to traditional concrete walls. They emphasized that SSPCM thickness and thermal conductivity significantly influence performance. The study showed that a 30 mm SSPCM layer with 0.2 W/m·K conductivity provided the best energy-saving rate. The results suggest that SSPCM walls can reduce reliance on active cooling systems. The authors proposed that SSPCM thickness should be optimized for specific storage conditions. They noted that higher conductivity does not always improve performance, highlighting the need for careful parameter selection. The study supports the use of SSPCMs in retrofitting existing granaries for energy efficiency. These findings may guide future applications of phase change materials in agricultural infrastructure.