Computational and experimental analysis of PCM-infused brick for sustainable heat regulation

Abstract

Examining the thermodynamics of phase change materials (PCMs) when merged into construction materials is a significant subject within the realm of building science and environmental responsibility. When infused to construction materials like bricks, PCMs have the capacity to elevate a building’s temperature regulation by minimizing the energy required for thermal contentment. This research is dedicated to learn about the thermal conduct and the consequences of the fusion of calcium chloride hexahydrate mineral (CCHPCM) within the pores of a masonry unit. To achieve this, we implemented a practical testing specifically designed to scrutinize how CCHPCMs alter the thermal performance of studied compounds. Multiple configurations were designed by adjusting the arrangement of CCHPCM within the bricks, resulting in three distinct setups. The first set involved filling one row of the bricks, the second set entailed filling two rows, and the final configuration entailed filling all the pores with PCM. Additionally, a computational modeling was executed to survey the thermic behavior of bricks infused with CCHPCM, operating with COMSOL Multiphysics application program. The elaborated work concluded to having an enhancement of the brick’s thermal storage capacity, for Set-3, in which all rows of bricks are filled with PCM, a delay of 2 h is observed compared to Set-0 the brick without CCHPCM. This simulation also encompassed comparative findings regarding the thermal performance of CCHPCM when incorporated into the masonry unit. Overall, this study supplied the valorization of CCHPCMs infused in masonry units and their usage in distinct layouts on upgrading its candidature to achieving environmental responsibility.