The article presents the results of long-term field tests and their mathematical analysis regarding the impacts of innovative phase change materials on the energy efficiency of composite windows with various glazing parameters. Research was conducted on six glazing combinations throughout the heating season in a temperate climate in Rzeszów (Poland). The empirical results obtained during the spring months showed an improvement in the monthly heat balance for windows with phase change materials compared to the reference window by as much as 34.09%. In addition, the empirical results allowed the development and verification of a mathematical model describing the transport and distribution of heat within a window with a phase change heat accumulator. The model was made using equations of non-stationary heat flow and an explicit finite difference method using calorimetric thermograms describing the phase change eutectic mixture used in the research. Carrying out the Snedecor–Fischer test proved the statistical adequacy of the developed model in 4 out of 6 tested combinations of glazing units. Good matching of the empirical and theoretical quantities was also confirmed using the quasi-Newton method. The article is a solution to the problem of the effective use of solar energy within transparent building partitions, while presenting a useful mathematical tool that determines potential thermal gains in various climatic conditions.
The dynamic development of the automotive industry and improvements in quality of life have caused a significant increase in the production of car tires. Unfortunately, when the useful life of these products comes to an end, the problem of their disposal arises. The article presents the results of tests of epoxy mortars in which granules made from waste tires were used as a substitute for sand in the amount of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% vol. respectively. The available literature lacks information about resin composites that arise with such a large or complete replacement of sand with rubber waste. Along with the increase in the content of waste, the values of strength parameters of composites decreased; however, a material characterized by very low water absorption, that is lightweight and with a low thermal conduction coefficient was obtained. Using the ADINA program, numerical simulations were carried out regarding the temperature distribution in a part of the building structure containing modified rubber mortar. The results of the simulation confirmed the possibility of practical use of the obtained composite due to its good thermal insulation properties. This approach to testing composites modified with rubber waste is innovative.
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