Open AccessExperimentation of a novel composite phase change material for thermal comfort improvement and energy saving in buildings
Author(s) -
Lisa Boussaba,
Saïd Makhlouf,
Amina Foufa A.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of building materials and structures
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2600-6936
pISSN - 2353-0057
DOI - 10.34118/jbms.v5i1.43
Subject(s) - materials science , differential scanning calorimetry , composite material , composite number , thermogravimetric analysis , paraffin wax , phase change material , thermal energy storage , thermocouple , microstructure , scanning electron microscope , microcrystalline cellulose , thermal , wax , chemical engineering , cellulose , ecology , physics , biology , meteorology , engineering , thermodynamics
This study focuses on the preparation of a novel composite phase change material (PCM) for an application of Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage in buildings. The aim of this application is to improve thermal inertia in buildings. A good thermal inertia, involves the improvement of thermal comfort and energy saving. The experimented materials’ components are selected for their availability, safety and low cost. Paraffin with a melting temperature range close to 30°C is selected as a PCM; it is composed of microcrystalline wax and liquid paraffin. The matrix is prepared from plaster, graphite powder and cellulose fibers. The PCM is introduced in the matrix following the immersion method. Several samples are prepared; there after they are subjected to a thermal treatment at 50°C for 30 min on a filter paper. The purpose is to identify the performance of each sample to retain the PCM without leakages.
Thermal and physicochemical characterizations are performed to study the composites’ properties: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is used to observe its microstructure; X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) identifies the crystallographic structure of the composite-PCM while Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) reveals the chemical compatibility between its different components. Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) are performed for thermal characterization. The thermal performance of the composite-PCM is verified experimentally using thermocouple measurements connected to a temperature recorder apparatus. The measurements are done simultaneously on two pellets; the first contains PCM while the second does not contain PCM.