Effect of microencapsulation phase change material and diatomite composite filling on hygrothermal performance of sintered hollow bricks

摘要

The aim of the present study is to investigate the use of a new phase change humidity control material (PCHCM) as a replacement for the expanded polystyrene (EPS) in hygrothermal insulation of the building construction. PCHCM is prepared by incorporating microencapsulation phase change material (MPCM) and diatomite, it is filled in a sintered hollow bricks typically used in the construction of Algerian buildings, considering different configurations, in order to get optimum insulation. A two dimensional coupled heat and moisture transfer model has been developed and solved numerically using a finite element method to study, and compare the effect of EPS, diatomite, and PCHCM on the comfort level of the building indoor environment. Different filling ratios of PCHCM and its locations are considered to reach the best hygrothermal performance. The inner temperature and relative humidity fluctuations obtained from the study are significantly reduced in comparison with EPS. In addition, the optimal location of PCHCM is given when it is filled with 66% in the internal side of the hollow brick. MPCM/diatomite composite was found to have the potential to save energy reaching 50% compared to EPS and can be used as a hygrothermal insulation material in building construction.