Thermal and structural characterization of macro-encapsulated phase change material integrated into concrete cubes

Currently, there is a strong research effort of developing ‘smart’ building materials that respond to temperature changes in a way that improves building energy efficiency. One such method involves introducing Phase Change Materials (PCMs) into building envelope elements as a method of storing thermal energy, thus ‘damping’ indoor temperature changes, thereby reducing the heating or cooling loads and energy consumption.

Yasir Rashid at United Arab Emirates University has developed a novel protective coating to encapsulate the PCM while mixing into concrete, thus preventing leakage of the PCM material after mixing into concrete. Using greenTEG’s U-Value Kit, he characterized the thermal insulation properties of such concrete samples and found that the integration of cement and PCM absorbed onto foam and clay supporting matrices resulted in lower U-values and better thermal insulation than standard geopolymer concrete.

Developing smart building materials to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions requires the right tools and expertise. greenTEG offers a variety of heat flux sensor solutions that helps you accurately measure and characterize potential new energy saving materials that will aid in the effort against climate change.

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