Experimental Study on the Use of Enhanced Coconut Oil and Paraffin Wax Phase Change Material in Active Heating Using Advanced Modular Prototype

The use of phase change materials in buildings as a thermal energy storage system gained the attention of researchers all over the world. In the current study, coconut oil bio-based PCM is macro-encapsulated with enhanced thermal conductivity containers and coupled with hydronic radiant floor heating system. The study follows experimental aspect utilizing two identical small scale modular test prototypes. Investigations are directed toward studying the effect of the active CO-PCM system under different weather conditions, effect of combining active and passive systems, effect of PCM choice/type and effect of PCM location within the active floor, on the thermal and energy storage performances. Results revealed that coupling CO-PCM to active floor, passive wall and passive roof is capable of achieving load shifting and energy savings; and is affected by the control method, weather conditions, electricity tariff policy and PCM position and type. Further discussions, conclusions and perspective recommendations are summarized within the article.

Automated summary

The study shows that coupling coconut oil-based PCM with systems can achieve load shifting and energy savings, but the effectiveness is affected by control methods, weather conditions, electricity tariff policies, as well as PCM positioning and types.