Phase Change Materials for Building Applications

To improve the energy efficiency and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, Phase Change Materials have been shown to be a greener alternative for energy storage and supply in buildings. However, currently available commercial Phase Change Materials are limited in their properties and performance with low volumetric densities, combustibility, cost and compatibility issues. Overcoming these technical challenges will deliver great value for future energy saving technologies. Upon completion of this research program, Tetramer will have developed Phase Change Materials with enhanced volumetric energy capacity, improved durability due to improved encapsulation and lower cost. These materials will be useful in future applications for thermal energy storage in buildings. During Phase I, new Phase Change Materials will be developed through three objectives. The work plan will concentrate on material energy density, improved durability, and the development of a robust encapsulation mechanism. The first two objectives will focus on the generation of data to build structure- properties maps for the new Phase Change Materials, carried out in two iterative loops using a Design-of- Experiments software. This will generate a data catalog of available property combinations for the new materials. Based on the results of this fundamental research, final materials will be selected and optimized for building applications. The third objective will emphasize the development of a robust and reliable encapsulating process. Phase Change Materials are a greener alternative for energy storage and supply in buildings and can potentially save 10-30% in energy consumption compared to existing cooling. In addition to the thermal energy storage in buildings, the materials developed will have applications in a diverse range of other energy saving technologies such as: building & construction, heating, ventilation & air-conditioning, thermal energy storage, cold chain & packaging, refrigeration & equipment, textiles, and electronics.