Determination of Thermal Properties and Characteristics of PCM-Based Heat Storage Elements for Application in Building Envelope
Abstract
This paper presents results of experimental investigation of thermal properties (heat capacity, thermal conductivity) of gypsum-PCM (phase change material) and concrete-PCM composites, and thermal characteristics of building elements made of these composites. Commercial, micro- encapsulated PCMs (Micronal, BASF), were used as energy storage substances. These PCMs were mixed with gypsum (used for internal facades) at different concentrations (up to ca. 37% weight). Thermal capacities were measured using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). For selected compositions the samples of building elements were prepared (set of temperature sensors, thermo- couples, were imbedded in the samples) for the thermal characteristics investigations. In these experiments temporal temperature variations of the samples in unsteady conditions (radiation and temperature in the vicinity of the sample) were measured. Thermal behaviour of plasterboard containing PCM subjected to solar radiation (from solar simulator) and in natural convection cooling, with the reference to ordinary plasterboard, was also investigated.