Thermal performance of a solar energy storage concrete panel incorporating phase change material aggregates developed for thermal regulation in buildings

Several attempts have been made to achieve considerable energy savings in concrete buildings by using phase change materials (PCMs). However, PCM leakage can affect both the PCMs' efficiency and the overall properties of concrete which consequently limit their application in buildings. To overcome this issue, this study proposes to develop a novel core-shell structured phase change material aggregates (AGGs(PCM)) to capture and store solar energy in the building envelope for space heating and cooling applications. The thermophysical properties of AGGs(PCM) and the thermal performance of AGGs(PCM) in concrete panels under the actual climate conditions of southern China were tested. The obtained results demonstrate significant PCM leakage prevention and enhancement of the thermal performances of the concrete panel. The AGGs(PCM)-concrete panel was able to reduce the peak temperature by 1 degrees C, indicating improved thermal comfort and electricity saving potential. Better performances could be achieved by increasing the mPCMs content into AGGs(PCM) or by selecting a PCM with a more suitable phase transition temperature to allow a more efficient heat storage and release process. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.