Thermal Performance of Mortars Based on Different Binders and Containing a Novel Sustainable Phase Change Material (PCM)

Abstract

Increasing concerns about climate change and global warming bring about technical steps for the development of several energy-efficient technologies. Since the building sector is one of the largest energy users for cooling and heating necessities, the incorporation of a proper energy-efficient material into the building envelopes could be an interesting solution for saving energy. Phase change material (PCM)-based thermal energy storage (TES) seems suitable to provide efficient energy redistribution. This is possible because the PCM is able to store and release its latent heat during the phase change processes that occurs according to the environmental temperature. The purpose of this paper was the characterization of the thermal properties of a composite PCM (i.e., Lecce stone/poly-ethylene glycol, previously developed) incorporated into mortar compositions based on different binders (i.e., hydraulic lime and cement). The study was carried out using an experimental set up through which it was possible to simulate the different seasons of the years. It was observed that the addition of PCM in mortars leads to a decrease of the maximum temperatures and increase of the minimum temperatures. Furthermore, the results shown a reduction of the heating and cooling needs, thus confirming the capability of this material to save energy.

Physical Properties of an Eco-Sustainable, Form-Stable Phase Change Material Included in Aerial-Lime-Based Mortar Intended for Different Climates

“…In previous research [ 31 , 50 , 51 , 52 ], a novel, sustainable, form-stable PCM was produced starting from a low-toxicity/low-flammability PEG polymer of medium molecular weight (PEG 1000) [ 50 ]. This polymer was easily included in waste natural material: flakes of porous stone derived from extraction and processing of the stone.…”

“…The sustainable and low-cost product was added to mortars based on different binders (aerial lime, hydraulic lime, gypsum, or concrete) [ 31 , 51 ], which were demonstrated to be efficient in reducing indoor temperature fluctuations, especially in warm seasons and in buildings located in Mediterranean regions. It was, in fact, found that PEG 1000 does not undergo its phase change at “low” temperatures, which means during the winter season [ 52 ]. In order to extend the temperature range and make the PCM effective even at low temperatures, a new form-stable PCM was produced.…”

Preparation and Characterization of Paraffin/Mesoporous Silica Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Materials for Building Thermal Insulation

“…With the rising demand for building thermal comfort and high-quality indoor thermal environment, building energy consumption has been growing continuously in recent years [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Thus, various environment-friendly technologies have been proposed to enhance building energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions [ 5 , 6 ]. Among various technologies, the use of phase change materials (PCMs) has gained more and more attention, as they have high energy storage density and can be operated within a small temperature range during the phase change conversion process [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Preparation of microencapsulated PCMs for energy saving and thermal comfort of buildings

“…In terms of thermal performance, many studies have confirmed that in addition to the energy-savings of buildings, thermal performance and comfort are improved when PCMs are used in cement mortars as addition to or replacement of the aggregates content. PCMs are also considered a good and economical solution to the thermal-energy efficiency problem of buildings [2,5,[21][22][23][24][25][26].…”