Palm oil-based bio-PCM for energy efficient building applications: Multipurpose thermal investigation and life cycle assessment

Abstract

This study aims at investigating the potential use of a bio-based phase change material, i.e. expired palm oil from the food industry, as a more sustainable alternative to petrochemical-based organic PCMs. To this purpose, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and isoconversional methods (Starink and Miura-Maki methods) are applied and the main thermo-physical properties of the blend are investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and extensive thermal monitoring in a controlled realistic environment. Finally, a life cycle assessment is used to evaluate the environmental impact of the bio-based material in comparison to the more common petrochemical-based application. Kinetic analysis results indicate the two dimensional phase boundary reaction model as the most reliable scheme for describing the oxidation of palm oil, with an activation energy of about 73 kJ•mol −1. The DSC and the thermal monitoring procedure, showed two separate melting peaks in the ambient temperature range, which globally guarantee a melting enthalpy of about 50 kJ•kg −1 , i.e. of the same order of magnitude of the first developed PCMs. Results from the life cycle analysis reveal that the expired palm oil can be considered a promising material for bio-based latent applications.

n-Octadecane/Fumed Silica Phase Change Composite as Building Envelope for High Energy Efficiency

“…Based on the thermal comfort (20 < T < 26 • C) of human beings [10], PCMs with melting temperatures of 20-32 • C are most suitable [11]. Several potential candidates can be classified as organic PCMs, such as paraffin (C 13 -C 24 ) [12], alkanes (n-hexadecane [13], n-octadecane [14]), an eutectic mixture of capric acid and lauric acid [5], fatty acid esters [15], bio-PCMs [16]; and inorganic PCMs such as salt hydrates (CaCl 2 •6H 2 O [9], LiNO 3 •3H 2 O [6]). Inorganic PCMs normally present higher latent heat storage capacity than organic PCMs; however, they have many application issues, such as super-cooling, phase segregation, and corrosiveness.…”

The Utilisation of Palm Oil and Oil Palm Residues and the Related Challenges as a Sustainable Alternative in Biofuel, Bioenergy, and Transportation Sector: A Review

“…These OPFs and OPTs can be used in various industries such as broom from palm fronds [40] and compressed medium density fibreboard (MDF) from OPT [41], whereas oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) are being utilized widely as a mulch for palm oil trees or processed fertilizer to promote soil fertility [42]. The lignocellulosic characteristic of oil palm residues such as (OPEFB) can be a good source of polymer reinforcement material, petrochemical-based matter as a building buffer creating thermal equilibrium [43,44] and reinforcing broom frond fibre from palm oil with concrete, which is economical and eco-friendly for building construction. In addition, processed palm kernel cake has been commonly used for animal feed given to cattle and chicken [45,46].…”

Bio-Based Phase Change Materials Incorporated in Lignocellulose Matrix for Energy Storage in Buildings—A Review

“…The system boundaries that have been employed in LCA studies of PCMs in buildings have been frequently selected for manufacturing and disposal stages [154,155] with an addition of the operation stage [159] or plant cultivation, manufacture, and transport stages [161]. A study which compares raw, waste palm oils and paraffin [161] demonstrated that palm oil production generated the most negative impact on the resources, ecosystem, and human health (15.5, 170, and 103.9 mPt), which is significantly higher than the values of paraffin (37.6, 4.2, and 9.2 mPt). The above is explained by the high CO 2 emissions as well as land and water consumption needed for the plant cultivation.…”