Experimental Analysis of Heat Flux Variation in a Brick Using Eutectic Phase Change Materials /
SAMAD ALI TAJ
- 48p. ; Soft Copy 30cm.
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%.