Development of Heat Storage Building Materials for Passive Solar Applications

摘要

The objective of this study was to develop a heat storage building material to be used for passive solar applications and load leveling within residential/commercial building spaces. Three phase change materials (PCMs) were evaluated for use in double-walled, hollow-channeled plastic panels as replacements for standard wallboard and ceiling panels. Performance tests conducted during this study indicate that the PCM-filled plastic panels can be completely charged/discharged on a daily basis by convective and radiative means. Typical PCM related problems with containment, nucleation, corrosiveness, incongruent melting, supercooling, heat transfer, and cycle lifetime have been addressed, and no significant barriers to future development are anticipated. Computer simulated comparisons of a PCM and conventionally fitted passive solar building indicate a significant improvement in heating requirements and thermal comfort using the PCM ceiling and wall panels. Overheating of the structure was also reduced dramatically during fall and spring months, substantially reducing cooling (ventilation) requirements. (ERA citation 09:018376)