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Pakistan being developing country is going through tough financial conditions at the same time
badly affected by climate change which caused huge flooding and according to World Bank, the
assessment estimates total damages to exceed USD 14.9 billion. These alarming figures are turning
point, where climate resilience and adaptation towards new sustainable energy systems is required.
Currently according to Pakistan finance division in energy chapter about 59.4% electricity is being
generated by burning fuel (including RLNG, Coal and Gas) and according to study conducted by
The University of Newcastle has established that 39 percent energy is consumed in just heating
and cooling of buildings.
So in view of above the aim of study was to lessen the cooling load of buildings by
incorporating Eutectic Phase Change Materials (PCMs) as thermal energy storage material (TES)
in ordinary brick. Multiple fatty acids based organic PCMs were examined for eutectic point using
Schrader equation. Keeping the melting range and latent heat in view Lauric Acid and Palmitic
Acid were selected for eutectic mixtures for possessing melting point range of 33-38 0C. For other
thermophysical properties including latent heat, melting point and specific heat capacity
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was performed for individual material and eutectic
samples. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was also done to check the thermal stability of
selected materials. For examining reduction in temperatures and respective cooling load, two
testing compartments, one with PCM incorporated brick and other with ordinary brick were made
and investigated both in controlled condition and direct sun light. Both heating and cooling
temperature profiles for individual brick and compartments were studied. Results showed the
decrement of 4-5.50C in inside temperature and time lag of 3-5 hours for the compartment made
with PCM brick. The overall reduction in heat flux was 25-30%.