Study on thermal properties of an eco-friendly phase change material for roof cooling application in buildings

Abstract

The continuous development of huge and elegant building structures has paved way for the extensive usage of energy sources. Across the spectrum of energy efficient technologies, the concept of thermal energy storage (TES) using the phase change material (PCM) has been constantly receiving huge acclamation from both the scientific and engineering perspectives, worldwide. It is worthwhile to study, in detail, the characteristic aspects of the eco-friendly organic PCMs, which in turn are expected to perform better in terms of achieving passive thermal storage potential as well as energy efficiency, without compromising the structural integrity of the building. The present work is aimed at analysing the thermal properties of an eco-friendly organic PCM (cetyl alcohol: C16H34O) for achieving passive thermal storage, energy efficiency and structural integrity through roof cooling application in buildings. Characterization of the proposed PCM was carried out using the field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), thermal conductivity analyzer, viscometer and thermal energy storage experimental facility. The experiments conducted revealed that the PCM has exhibited an onset melting temperature of 48.94 °C and a high latent heat of 237.64 J/g, low thermal conductivity suitable for roof cooling application along with low viscosities at different temperatures indicating the good workability. Characteristic compressive strength of the samples was initially dropped, but it was found to be unaltered with further addition of the PCM. Based on the test results obtained, the cetyl alcohol can be considered as a promising eco-friendly PCM candidate for the passive roof cooling application without sacrificing the energy efficiency in buildings.