Explore the vast range of titles available.

Phase change materials (PCMs) have the ability to absorb and release a large amount of energy during the process of transforming physical properties (i.e., phase transition process). PCMs are suitable for thermal energy storage and reducing energy consumption in buildings. The aim of the study is to assess the basic material properties and thermal behavior of fly ash foam concrete mixed with two different types of microencapsulated PCMs (PCM6D and PCM18D). We made five different varieties of fly ash foam concrete by replacing the equivalent unit weight of cement with PCM 0%, PCM 10% and PCM 30%. The results show that using a new type of mixer, the microencapsulated PCMs kept their spherical shapes without any cracks or damage in the foam concrete matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that PCM18D-30% had a latent heat capacity of 19.2 °C and 44.7 J/g, in liquid and solid phase with melting and freezing temperatures of 9.46 °C and 41.7 J/g respectively. Additionally, thermocycle analysis showed that it had maintained the temperature for 8 h within the phase change range. In conclusion, PCMs can reduce indoor temperature fluctuations and exhibit the potential for enhancing energy savings and thermal comfort of buildings.

The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of fly ash foam concrete containing two varying temperature ranges of microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs): PCM28D (26–30 °C) and PCM43D (41–45 °C). In total, five different fly ash foam concrete samples were prepared, and the unit weight of cement was substituted with varying percentages of PCM (0%, 10% and 30%). As a result, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that PCM43D-30% exhibited a heat storage capacity of 45.32 °C and 37.89 °C with 42.87 J/g and 41.01 J/g in its liquid and solid phases, respectively. Furthermore, thermocycle analysis indicated that PCM43D-30% maintained the temperature within the stated phase change range for a duration of 7 h. In conclusion, the incorporation of PCMs (28D and 43D) in fly ash foam concrete shows promise in reducing indoor temperature fluctuations, thereby improving energy efficiency. The improved thermal performance can be suitable for various applications such as inner and outside walls of energy-efficient construction designs.