Article
Energy & Fuels
Thanongsak Nochaiya, Apiyada Sangnak, Attakorn Thongtha, Watcharapong Wongkeo, Pincha Torkittikul
Summary: The study investigates the use of waste materials and phase change materials to improve energy efficiency and environment of buildings. Results show that adding HSA in mortar decreases compressive strength and density, but decreases thermal conductivity. Additionally, HSA mortars exhibit a significant increase in time lags with higher HSA content.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cheng Dong, Ang Li, Chen Wang, Jiao Li, Hongyi Gao, Xiao Chen, Yuean Wang, Lei Li, Yu Zheng, Ge Wang
Summary: A hierarchical zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) based phase change material, PEG/CC@ZIF, was proposed to enhance the thermal performance by regulating attractive interaction, reducing heat loss, and increasing energy storage capacity.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Marina Lopez-Arias, Vito Francioso, Mirian Velay-Lizancos
Summary: This study introduces a new method of incorporating Phase Change Materials (PCMs) into construction materials to enhance the thermal inertia of building envelopes without compromising compressive strength. Mortars with varying water-to-cement ratios were used as base materials, and PCM was introduced into the pore structure through immersion and vacuum treatment. The study observed an increase in thermal properties and compressive strength, with the highest enhancements observed in samples with the highest PCM content. Estimation models were developed to accurately predict thermal properties and compressive strength, and a target-by-design system was created for desired combinations of properties.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cynthia Guardia, Gonzalo Barluenga, Irene Palomar
Summary: Using microencapsulated paraffin wax Phase Change Materials (PCM) in cement-lime mortars with cellulose fibres and lightweight aggregates can enhance energy efficiency of buildings. This study evaluates the thermal performance and energy storage capacity of mortars with PCM, cellulose fibres, and lightweight aggregates under different thermal conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruze Liu, Ang Li, Jinyan Liu, Wengeng Liu, Hao Zheng, Xiao Chen, Cheng Dong
Summary: This study introduces a novel carbon-based hierarchical porous structure for encapsulating phase change materials. The unique structure efficiently captures photons, increases the optical paths, promotes nucleation, and reduces the activation energy, resulting in efficient heat storage and high photo- and electro-thermal storage efficiencies.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Rosicky Methode Kalombe, Sarvenaz Sobhansarbandi, John Kevern
Summary: This study explores the use of low-cost thermal energy storage aggregates (TESA) as an alternative to deicing salts for improving winter safety. Different organic phase change materials (PCMs) were used to create TESA, which effectively stored heat and delayed freezing. The combination of paraffin wax and soybean oil showed the most significant heat storage increase. TESA concrete presents a sustainable and feasible option for reducing the use of deicing salts and minimizing environmental and safety impacts in winter maintenance.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Yilin Liu, Yong Deng, Jinlong Zheng, Fuzhong Wu, Jia Lu, Shuya Sun, Dan Wu, Taofen Wu
Summary: This review focuses on the effects of hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) on phase change behavior and heat storage characteristics of phase change materials (PCMs). It discusses the controversial views on the role of H-bonds in phase change temperature and latent heat, as well as the potential of H-bonds to improve other properties of PCMs.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Eda Feyza Akyurek, Mehmet Yoladi
Summary: The use of phase change materials in latent heat storage systems has advantages over other thermal energy storage methods. The design of heat exchangers is crucial for system performance. Experimental results show that changes in inlet temperature and minichannel diameter affect the charge and discharge processes, while the impact of HTF flow rate on thermal energy storage can be negligible.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Guo Li, Guoqiang Xu, Zhiyi Tao
Summary: The study experimentally tested the thermal performance of slag silicate cement mortar thermal storage blocks with the addition of phase change materials. The results demonstrated that the addition of microencapsulated phase change materials significantly decreased the density of the mortar and affected its thermal conductivity and thermal diffusion coefficient.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nidhal Ben Khedher, Jasim M. Mahdi, Anmar Dulaimi, Ilia Shojaeinasab Chatroudi, Mohammadreza Ebrahimnataj Tiji, Raed Khalid Ibrahem, A. Yvaz, Pouyan Talebizadehsardari
Summary: Phase-change materials (PCMs) have the potential to address the mismatch between energy supply and demand due to their energy savings, uniform operating temperature, and low cost. This study demonstrates the advantage of using arc-shaped fins as thermal enhancers to improve the thermal functionality of PCM in a storage system. Parametric studies show that modifying the dimensions and angles of the fin configuration can further enhance the heat storage rate.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Dechao Hu, Zhiqiang Wang, Wenshi Ma
Summary: Novel PU-based MEPCMs with high latent heat storage capacity were successfully fabricated, with further optimization of preparation conditions and core/shell mass ratio expected to enhance performance and potentially broaden applications in thermal energy storage fields.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jose Luis Reyez-Araiza, Jorge Pineda-Pinon, Jose M. Lopez-Romero, Jose Ramon Gasca-Tirado, Moises Arroyo Contreras, Juan Carlos Jauregui Correa, Luis Miguel Apatiga-Castro, Eric Mauricio Rivera-Munoz, Rodrigo Rafael Velazquez-Castillo, Jose de Jesus Perez Bueno, Alejandro Manzano-Ramirez
Summary: The study shows that using phase change materials (PCMs) in buildings for additional heating can increase heat storage capacity by absorbing latent heat, providing an effective way to reduce energy consumption. The encapsulation methods at macro and micro levels are the most viable way to apply PCMs in construction elements, but more research is needed to process bio-based PCMs for increased environmental friendliness.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chunyu Zhu, Chengzhi Zhao, Zihe Chen, Ruijie Zhu, Nan Sheng, Zhonghao Rao
Summary: The study developed a novel 3D porous carbon scaffold consisting of SiC-wrapped biomass carbon fibers to enhance the thermal conductivity and shape stability of paraffin PCM, resulting in improved heat transfer and anti-leakage properties of the composite materials.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zihe Chen, Ruijie Zhu, Nan Sheng, Chunyu Zhu, Zhonghao Rao
Summary: This study uses wood carbon as a porous support and modifies it with silicon carbide nanowires to improve the thermal conductivity and leakproof performance of paraffin wax phase change composites. The nanowire network in the wood carbon provides additional capillary absorption force and exhibits anisotropic thermal conductivity enhancement.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Santosh Chavan, Ramesh Rudrapati, Selvaraj Manickam
Summary: Thermal energy storage (TES) plays a crucial role in various applications, and this paper provides an overview of different applications in different fields. The study focuses on reviewing TES applications in waste heat recovery, cooling of heavy electronic equipment, and other wide areas. The comprehensive study shows that stored thermal energy can be used for heating and cooling applications, and there is great potential for developing new technologies and methods to utilize thermal energy to the maximum extent. Exploring various thermal storage materials and methods opens up many possibilities for sustainable development and utilization of available thermal energy.
ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sandra Cunha, Andre Tavares, Jose B. Aguiar, Fernando Castro
Summary: The foundry industry generates a large amount of waste, including not only foundry sands, but also other wastes with no known reuse solutions. This study aimed to incorporate paraffin waxes and ceramic mold shells into cement mortars and evaluate their impact on the physical and mechanical properties. The results showed a reduction in workability, water absorption, flexural and compressive strengths of the mortars. However, the mortars still exhibited satisfactory physical and mechanical behavior, indicating a potential practical application.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ana Mafalda Matos, Jose Granja, Sandra Nunes, Jose L. Barroso-Aguiar, Miguel Azenha
Summary: This study provides an integrated analysis of autogenous shrinkage, isothermal calorimetry, and modulus of elasticity measurement to characterize the hardening behavior of a non-proprietary and eco-friendly ultra-high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composite (UHPFRC). The results show that induction period ends at 3 hours and hydration heat rapidly evolves up to 9 hours. Autogenous shrinkage increases significantly in the first 6 hours, followed by a dramatic reduction in the slope of the curves. The modulus of elasticity exhibits a typical cementitious material S-shaped curve, reaching 37 GPa at 7 days. The use of the EMM-ARM method is of utmost importance for evaluating stiffness-related properties of UHPC/UHPFRC since casting age, allowing for the optimization of its properties without wasting time and resources. The UHPFRC developed with a lower amount of cement and silica fume reduces heat of hydration, shrinkage, costs, and ecological footprint without significantly affecting the MOE.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sandra Cunha, Daniel Costa, Jose B. Aguiar, Fernando Castro
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of waste treatment methods on the physical and mechanical properties of mortar. The results showed that washing residues were effective in eliminating expansibility and water absorption of the mortar, resulting in increased flexural and compression strength.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mariaenrica Frigione, Antonella Sarcinella, Jose Luis Barroso de Aguiar
Summary: The research focuses on the usage of phase-change materials (PCMs) to reduce the energy consumption in heating/cooling of buildings. The originality lies in the selection of suitable polymers as PCMs for different climatic conditions, and the use of low-toxic, low-flammability polymers in waste stone fragments to produce sustainable PCMs. These PCMs were added to mortars and proved to improve indoor temperature in plasters.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Glenn Beersaerts, Tobias Hertel, Sandra Lucas, Yiannis Pontikes
Summary: The construction sector can reduce CO2 emissions by printing mortar made from an alternative binder, which consists of non-ferrous metallurgy Fe-rich slag and OPC. A 3D-printable hybrid mortar was developed based on performance criteria for 3D printing. By introducing various raw materials, the particle packing of the mortar was improved, resulting in enhanced pumpability and buildability. The final mortar met the printing criteria and offered a viable alternative to OPC-mortars for 3D printing.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Sandra Cunha, Antonella Sarcinella, Jose Aguiar, Mariaenrica Frigione
Summary: The construction industry plays a major role in high energy consumption, particularly in heating and cooling needs of buildings. This has gained significant attention from the scientific community, governments, and authorities worldwide, especially in the European Union, due to recent international conflicts that prompted countries to reconsider their energy policies. Historic energy consumption has heavily relied on non-renewable sources like natural gas, oil, and coal. Urgent measures are needed to minimize these high-energy consumptions and transition towards clean and renewable energy sources. In recent years, phase change materials (PCM) have garnered significant interest and development for their ability to reduce energy consumption in buildings by utilizing solar energy through thermal storage. This study provides a perspective on the evolution and application of thermal storage technology with the incorporation of PCM in the construction sector, focusing on the latest 10 years of research and showcasing recent developments in application across construction materials such as mortars, concrete, porous aggregates, naturally-based materials, carbon-based materials, boards, blocks, and solar thermal systems.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
S. Cunha, J. Aguiar, F. Martins
Summary: In order to contribute to a more sustainable planet, reducing the energy bill has become crucial nowadays. The use of materials that enhance the energy efficiency of buildings, such as mortars incorporating phase change materials (PCM), plays a significant role in achieving this objective. This study developed various mortars with different PCM contents, using different binders, and employed data mining techniques such as artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), and multiple linear regressions (MLR) to predict the compressive and flexural strengths of these mortars under different exposure temperatures. The results indicated that ANN models had the highest predictive capacity for both compressive and flexural strengths, while SVM models showed a flexural strength forecasting capacity very close to ANN models.
MATERIALES DE CONSTRUCCION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyou Jia, Jose Aguiar, Carlos de Jesus, Fernando Castro, Sandra Cunha
Summary: The waste from ceramic mold casting in the lost-wax foundry industry is causing pollution and the loss of secondary resources due to landfill disposal. In order to address this issue and meet the growing demand for lightweight concrete, the waste is being recycled into lightweight concrete. In this study, different sizes of expanded clay were used as reference aggregates. The results showed that the density of the waste was higher and water absorption was lower compared to the expanded clay. By replacing the clay with different percentages of waste, the mechanical performance of the lightweight concrete improved, achieving a density of 1998 kg/m3 and compressive strength of 36 MPa with 80% waste content.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Glenn Beersaerts, Jeroen Soete, Michiel Giels, Lies Eykens, Sandra Lucas, Yiannis Pontikes
Summary: Automation through 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize construction, but it may not reduce carbon footprint. A study found that using a hybrid mortar with a small amount of Portland cement and primarily iron-rich, low-calcium slag for printing can improve strength and durability, but it has lower freeze-thaw resistance.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhiyou Jia, Jose Aguiar, Sandra Cunha, Carlos de Jesus
Summary: This study prepared a green thermal aggregate by combining PCM with RA, and found that the amount of PCM absorbed depends on the porosity of the matrix material, leading to a decrease in the compressive strength of concrete as the green aggregate increases.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sandra Cunha, Raphael Silva, Jose Aguiar, Fernando Castro
Summary: The lost wax foundry industry generates a large amount of waste, which is currently being deposited in landfills due to the lack of practical applications and challenges in recycling. This study demonstrates the potential of incorporating the industry's waste, such as ceramic mold shells and paraffin wax, as substitutes for natural aggregates in cementitious mortars for the construction sector. The results show that the mortars with waste incorporation exhibit adequate performance under normal operating conditions and freeze-thaw actions.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Antonella Sarcinella, Jose Luis Barroso de Aguiar, Carlos Jesus, Mariaenrica Frigione
Summary: The purpose of a phase change material (PCM) is to store/release energy during its transition from solid to liquid state, having suitable melting/crystallization temperatures comparable to environmental temperatures. The inclusion of a PCM in construction elements helps to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling of buildings, provided that the phase transition range corresponds to the environmental temperature variation. Therefore, identifying suitable PCMs for different climate zones is crucial.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sandra Cunha, Jhonny Castro, Jose B. Aguiar
Summary: The construction industry should use raw materials with less environmental impact and functional qualities. The use of phase change materials (PCM) in interior mortars can improve the energy efficiency of buildings by harnessing solar energy. Additionally, choosing binders with lower carbon dioxide emissions, such as gypsum, can help reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption during production. The development and testing of gypsum-based mortars functionalized with PCM demonstrated improved thermal performance and cost savings. Evaluating the mortars in different seasons revealed significant temperature decreases and reduced cooling and heating needs. The cost analysis showed savings in electricity costs for building climate control. Overall, this research highlights the importance and potential benefits of adopting sustainable and efficient materials in the construction industry. Rating: 8/10.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhiyou Jia, Sandra Cunha, Jose Aguiar, Pengfei Guo
Summary: With the increasing world population, the issue of energy consumption has become more prominent. In the building operation phase, a large amount of energy is required for heating and cooling. The energy necessary for buildings is mainly sourced from the combustion of fossil fuels, leading to energy scarcity, environmental pollution, and ecological damage. To address these challenges, one promising approach is to incorporate phase-change materials in recycled aggregate from construction and demolition waste to replace the raw materials of concrete. This study selected the appropriate phase-change material and combined it with recycled aggregate to replace natural aggregate in concrete. The results showed that the workability of concrete increased with the addition of phase-change materials, but the mechanical performance decreased.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sofia Pessoa, Manuel Jesus, Ana S. Guimaraes, Sandra S. Lucas, Nuno Simoes
Summary: 3D printing has great potential in the construction sector for automation, sustainability, and quality control. However, there is limited research on the thermal performance, comfort, and energy efficiency of 3D printed construction solutions. This study experimentally analyzes a cement-based mortar developed for 3D printing, obtaining a range of physical, hygric, and thermal properties. The results show that the 3D printed cement-based mortar has comparable hygrothermal performance to traditional cast concrete but requires additional insulation materials for thermal performance.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Samiran Khorat, Debashish Das, Rupali Khatun, Sk Mohammad Aziz, Prashant Anand, Ansar Khan, Mattheos Santamouris, Dev Niyogi
Summary: Cool roofs can effectively mitigate heatwave-induced excess heat and enhance thermal comfort in urban areas. Implementing cool roofs can significantly improve urban meteorology and thermal comfort, reducing energy flux and heat stress.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Qi Li, Jiayu Chen, Xiaowei Luo
Summary: This study focuses on the vertical wind conditions as a main external factor that limits the energy assessment of high-rise buildings in urban areas. Traditional tools for energy assessment of buildings use a universal vertical wind profile estimation, without taking into account the unique wind speed in each direction induced by the various shapes and configurations of buildings in cities. To address this limitation, the study developed an omnidirectional urban vertical wind speed estimation method using direction-dependent building morphologies and machine learning algorithms.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xiaojun Luo, Lamine Mahdjoubi
Summary: This paper presents an integrated blockchain and machine learning-based energy management framework for multiple forms of energy allocation and transmission among multiple domestic buildings. Machine learning is used to predict energy generation and consumption patterns, and the proposed framework establishes optimal and automated energy allocation through peer-to-peer energy transactions. The approach contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhances environmental sustainability.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ying Yu, Yuanwei Xiao, Jinshuai Chou, Xingyu Wang, Liu Yang
Summary: This study proposes a dual-layer optimization design method to maximize the energy sharing potential, enhance collaborative benefits, and reduce the storage capacity of building clusters. Case studies show that the proposed design significantly improves the performance of building clusters, reduces energy storage capacity, and shortens the payback period.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Felix Langner, Weimin Wang, Moritz Frahm, Veit Hagenmeyer
Summary: This paper compares two main approaches to consider uncertainties in model predictive control (MPC) for buildings: robust and stochastic MPC. The results show that compared to a deterministic MPC, the robust MPC increases the electricity cost while providing complete temperature constraint satisfaction, while the stochastic MPC slightly increases the electricity cost but fulfills the thermal comfort requirements.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Somil Yadav, Caroline Hachem-Vermette
Summary: This study proposes a mathematical model to evaluate the performance of a Double Skin Facade (DSF) system and its impact on indoor conditions. The model considers various design parameters and analyzes their effects on the system's electrical output and room temperature.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ruijun Chen, Holly Samuelson, Yukai Zou, Xianghan Zheng, Yifan Cao
Summary: This research introduces an innovative resilient design framework that optimizes building performance by considering a holistic life cycle perspective and accounting for climate projection uncertainties. The study finds that future climate scenarios significantly impact building life cycle performance, with wall U-value, windows U-value, and wall density being major factors. By using ensemble learning and optimization algorithms, predictions for carbon emissions, cost, and indoor discomfort hours can be made, and the best resilient design scheme can be selected. Applying this framework leads to significant improvements in building life cycle performance.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2024)
