Development and application of novel concrete mixtures storing solar energy with phase change materials for energy savings in buildings

In this study, new generation concrete mixtures with phase chance material (PCM) have been developed. Improving thermal density of concrete and possibility of more efficient solar gain in passive buildings were studied. In the first stage; PCM candidates were selected based on suitable comfort temperatures and similar structure with concrete additives. Possible changes on concrete structure were investigated using XRD, SEM and compressive strength tests. Thermal energy gains via direct and microencapsulated mixing of PCMs candidates were studied comparatively. Corrosive behaviour of PCM on reinforced steel was monitored using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy technique for one year. Results show that PCMs are enhanced the termal properties of concrete while not affected on corrosion rate of reinforcement steel. Two layered composit panels were fabricated using novel concrete mixtures containing PCM. Test cabins were built using these composit panels. Indoor and wall surface temperatures of reference and PCM cabins, weather and solar irradiation data have been collected on field for two years. In the last stage of the study, economical and environmental gains with using of PCM in buildings were calculated. Results showed that heating loads can be reduced up to 13% by using novel PCM-concrete mixtures in buildings.