New techniques for the energy saving of sustainable buildings by using phase change materials

Efficiency and energy system improvement are among the main important modern studies centered the energy consumption reduction and thermal performance enhancement of buildings. The main objective of this study is saving the energy of sustainable buildings by using paraffin wax as phase change materials (PCMs) and pumice fine aggregates (PUs) with concrete hollow blocks (CHBs) by using the cement mortars into the walls and ceilings (CILs). The effects investigated on temperature reduction and their role is improving thermal performance, thermal comfort, and electrical consumption energy savings of buildings. Eight concrete hollow blocks CHBs specimens were prepared using the cement mortars. The first group consists of four specimens included CHBs (Standard; without mortar) and the other three mixtures with different percentages of PCMs (0%, 50%, and 75%) by volume of sand. The second group was prepared using PUs aggregate that consists of three CHBs specimens with different percentages of PCMs (0%, 50%, and 75%) by volume of PUs, that prepared to investigate the effects of PUs aggregate and PCMs replacement on the thermal properties. The eighth CHBs specimen was filled with pure PCMs. The thermal properties of the prepared specimens were performed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), thermal Conductivity (K- Value), and heat transfer evolution (HTE) analysis technique. Four rooms were built with a 6 cm ceiling thickness and CHBs walls, to study the effect of PCMs and PUs on the thermal properties. The temperature evolution in the rooms and the offset peak hours, cooling load, and energy cost savings were investigated. Results indicate improving the thermal properties of the tested specimens. The room results show a decrease in the indoor temperature of the room with 5.75 degrees C. The cooling load reduction was 26%, corresponding to an electricity consumption savings of approximately $2.76/Day m(3). Based on all results, thermal performance tests showed that the modal room with the PCMs + PUs can be improved thermal comfort keeping the indoor temperature at the comfortable range for a large time and reduced the electrical consumption energy of buildings.

Automated summary

Efficiency and energy system improvement are main focuses in modern research, with the study aiming to save energy in sustainable buildings by using PCMs and PUs to enhance thermal performance and reduce energy consumption. The research found that the use of PCMs and PUs can improve thermal properties, energy savings, and thermal comfort in buildings.