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Phase Change Materials for Building Energy Applications

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "G2: Phase Change Materials for Energy Storage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2024 | Viewed by 1799

Special Issue Editors

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Sciences, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
Interests: energy-efficient buildings; nearly zero-energy buildings; energy storage; advanced materials; phase change materials; climate change; resilient buildings; urban environment; building performance simulation; optimization-based design; metamodeling
Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genova, 16145 Genova, Italy
Interests: sustainability in construction and building materials; recycling; smart materials; smart buildings; energy-saving; green buildings; eco-friendly materials; nearly zero-energy buildings; energy efficiency; energy storage; phase change materials; renewable energy resources; zero CO2 emissions; CO2 storage in materials; modeling; multiscale; multiphysics; micro- and meso-scale
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Canada Research Chair in Building Science, BeTOP Lab, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
Interests: energy-efficient buildings; nearly zero-energy buildings; energy storage; advanced materials; nanotechnologies; phase change materials; climate change; resilient buildings
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The building stock handles over 30% of global energy consumption, and nearly 40% of total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, phase change materials can have several thermal energy applications in buildings to achieve different goals, such as improving the building energy efficiency, increasing the performance of HVAC equipment and on-site renewable energy systems, reducing peak loads, as well as improving the indoor environment by controlling the swings and extreme values of temperatures.

This Special Issue aims to collect recent research contributions, which report experimental, theoretical, and numerical findings related to the energy applications of phase change materials in buildings. Through this article collection, we aspired to help with the acceleration of advanced research and development of innovative technologies and solutions to address the current global energy and climate crises, in which buildings play a vital role. Regular research and review articles falling within the scope of the current Special Issue are welcome.

Dr. Facundo Bre
Dr. Antonio Caggiano
Prof. Dr. Umberto Berardi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • phase change materials
  • energy saving in buildings
  • energy storage in buildings
  • new phase change materials for energy applications in buildings
  • new passive and active applications of phase change materials in buildings
  • new building devices based on phase change materials
  • new building materials enhanced with phase change materials
  • innovative thermal energy storage systems in buildings based on phase change materials
  • design and optimization of phase change materials in buildings
  • modeling and simulation of phase change materials for energy applications in buildings
  • experimental performance demonstrations of phase change materials in buildings

Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

18 pages, 1817 KiB  
Review
Harnessing Nanomaterials for Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Transpired Solar Collectors: A Review of Their Integration in Phase-Change Materials
by Cristiana Croitoru, Florin Bode, Răzvan Calotă, Charles Berville and Matei Georgescu
Energies 2024, 17(5), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17051239 - 05 Mar 2024
Viewed by 491
Abstract
The building sector plays an important role in the global climate change mitigation objectives. The reduction of CO2 emissions and energy consumption in the building sector has been intensively investigated in the last decades, with solar thermal energy considered to be one [...] Read more.
The building sector plays an important role in the global climate change mitigation objectives. The reduction of CO2 emissions and energy consumption in the building sector has been intensively investigated in the last decades, with solar thermal energy considered to be one of the most promising solutions due to its abundance and accessibility. However, the discontinuity of solar energy has led to the study of thermal energy storage to improve the thermal performance of solar thermal systems. In this review paper, the integration of various types of phase-change materials (PCMs) in transpired solar collectors (TSC) is reviewed and discussed, with an emphasis on heat transfer enhancements, including nanomaterials. Thermal energy storage applied to TSC is studied in terms of design criteria, materials technologies, and its impact on thermal conductivity. This review highlights the potential of nanomaterial technology integration in terms of thermal performance improvements. The utilization of nanomaterials in solar walls holds the potential to significantly enhance their performance. The integration of diverse materials such as graphene, graphite, metal oxides, and carbon nanoparticles can pave the way for improving thermal conductivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phase Change Materials for Building Energy Applications)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Title: Development of concrete façade sandwich panels incorporating phase change materials
Authors: Dervilla Niall; Prof. Roger West
Affiliation: Technological University Dublin
Abstract: With the publication of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD, 2018) the need to reduce the energy usage of buildings has become a focus of government policy. Using the mass of a building to store or dissipate heat can reduce the demand on the auxiliary heating and/or cooling systems. Previous laboratory research by the authors showed that the incorporation of phase change materials (PCMs) into concrete enhances its thermal storage capacity by up to 50%. However, it cannot be assumed that this benefit will be replicated in a full-scale scenario because there is a scarcity of full-scale studies in the literature. To address this gap, this study involved the design and manufacture of precast cladding sandwich panels with a PCM-concrete inner leaf. Three full-scale huts were constructed using the panels and instrumented to record thermal data over 18 months. Analysis of this data showed that when the internal air temperature fluctuated through the phase change temperature of the PCM, the PCM-concrete composite was effective at reducing the internal air temperatures by up to 16% if overnight ventilation was provided and 12% without overnight ventilation in a temperate climate. The thermal data was used to validate a simulation model that can be used to derive bespoke solutions for this form of technology in real scenarios in any geographical location.

Title: An overview of phase change materials and their applications in pavement
Authors: Kinga Korniejenko; Marek Nykiel; Marta Choinska; Assel Jexembayeva; Marat Konkanov; Lyazat Aruova
Affiliation: Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
Abstract: The composite of phase change material (PCM) and bitumen or asphalt as a matrix is expected as a new, advanced material for road construction. The main motivation for the article is to show the new possibilities and perspectives of developing the pavement with the usage of PCM. Incorporating PCM into paving materials can improve their properties, including allowing regulation of the pavement temperature, enhancement of the pavement durability, and avoiding the phenomena of heat-island on the road. The main purpose of the article is to evaluate contemporary investigation in the area of the application of PCM into pavement materials, especially asphalt and bitumen, summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of PCM for road construction, and discuss further trends in this area. The manuscript explored the state of the art in this area based on the literature research. It shows the possible materials’ solutions - compositions, discusses their key properties, and uses technology. The possibilities for further implementations are considered, especially economic issues.

Title: The use of transparent structures improving light comfort in library spaces and minimizing energy consumption: case study of Warsaw, Poland
Authors: Ivanna Voronkova; Anna Podlasek
Affiliation: Warsaw University of Life Sciences
Abstract: Light plays a pivotal role in shaping the quality and ambiance of interior spaces, with its significance and controversy amplified in the design of libraries. This article delves into the intricate relationship between lighting, translucent structures, and the architectural parameters influencing library spaces. The study focuses on the challenges posed by excessive lighting, visual discomfort, and overheating, primarily arising from the prevalent use of numerous translucent structures in library architecture. Analyzing the architectural and construction parameters, as well as the properties of window openings and transparent structures, the research scrutinizes various types of glass and alternative materials commonly employed in library construction. The crux of the study lies in the recognition of the critical role played by transparent materials and structures in mitigating potential operational issues in library spaces. A judicious selection of these elements during the design phase can facilitate the minimization of problems related to thermal energy regulation, ventilation control, acoustic insulation, and enhancement of visual comfort. The significance of this research lies in its potential to optimize library buildings by increasing energy efficiency and reducing dependence on artificial lighting, heating, and air conditioning. The careful consideration of transparent materials at the design stage promises long-term benefits in the form of sustainable library spaces that not only meet functional requirements but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious architectural landscape.

Title: Energy Performance of Solid-Solid Phase Change Materials in Glazing Systems
Authors: Hossein Arasteh; Wahid Maref; Hamed H. Saber
Affiliation: Department of Construction Engineering École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) - University of Quebec - Montreal (Qc) - Canada
Abstract: This research investigates the energy efficiency of a novel double-glazing system incorporating solid-solid phase change materials (SSPCM), which offer significant advantages over traditional liquid-solid materials for thermal energy storage. Utilizing numerical simulations based on the finite volume method, a proposed double-glazing setup featuring a 2 mm layer of SSPCM applied to the inner glass pane within the air gap is analyzed. The simulations consider various transient temperature values and ranges of the SSPCM to evaluate the energy performance of the system under different weather conditions in Miami, FL, during the coldest and hottest days of the year, both in sunny and cloudy conditions. The results demonstrate a notable improvement in energy performance compared to standard double-glazing windows (DGW), with the most efficient SSPCM configuration exhibiting a phase transition temperature and range of 25 °C and 1 °C, respectively. This configuration achieved energy savings of 24%, 26%, and 23% during summersunny, wintersunny, and wintercloudy days, respectively, relative to DGW. However, a 3% energy loss was observed during summercloudy days. Overall, the findings highlight the potential for significant energy savings by incorporating SSPCM with suitable thermophysical properties into double-glazing systems, facilitating full phase transition cycles with minimal temperature range.

Title: Review of current trends in sustainable construction
Authors: Monika Zajemska1, Dorota Wojtyto1, Joanna Michalik1, Marlena Krakowiak1, Szymon Berski2
Affiliation: 1 Faculty of Production Engineering and Materials Technology, Czestochowa University of Technology, 19 Armii Krajowej Ave., 42-200, Czestochowa, Poland; 2 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, Czestochowa University of Technology, 21 Armii Krajowej, Częstochowa, 42-200, Poland;

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