• Energy Research

This study aims to assess the thermal behavior of a cement mortar (denoted M15D) incorporating microencapsulated biobased phase change materials at both wall and building scales. A bi-climatic chamber setup was employed to subject the wall to distinct thermal conditions simulating outdoor and indoor environments, using heating and cooling solicitations. Temperature sensors, strategically positioned at various depths, allowed the monitoring of temperature within the walls during the experiments. On a building scale, the thermal performance of M15D was predicted using two mathematical models describing heat transmission in porous systems incorporating phase-change materials. Numerical simulations were carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics and EnergyPlus software. The results obtained were validated against experimental data, at the wall scale and subsequently developed to the building scale. The outcomes highlighted that the incorporation of microencapsulated biobased phase change materials significantly influences both building energy consumption and interior temperature. The heat storage capacity offered by M15D demonstrated a significant impact on thermal performance, leading to energy savings of up to 33% for heating and 31% for cooling, contingent on climate conditions. In conclusion, the integration of biobased phase change materials in the cement mortar (M15D) displays benefits in enhancing thermal performance at building scales.

This study aims to assess the thermal behavior of a cement mortar (denoted M15D) incorporating microencapsulated biobased phase change materials at both wall and building scales. A bi-climatic chamber setup was employed to subject the wall to distinct thermal conditions simulating outdoor and indoor environments, using heating and cooling solicitations. Temperature sensors, strategically positioned at various depths, allowed the monitoring of temperature within the walls during the experiments. On a building scale, the thermal performance of M15D was predicted using two mathematical models describing heat transmission in porous systems incorporating phase-change materials. Numerical simulations were carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics and EnergyPlus software. The results obtained were validated against experimental data, at the wall scale and subsequently developed to the building scale. The outcomes highlighted that the incorporation of microencapsulated biobased phase change materials significantly influences both building energy consumption and interior temperature. The heat storage capacity offered by M15D demonstrated a significant impact on thermal performance, leading to energy savings of up to 33% for heating and 31% for cooling, contingent on climate conditions. In conclusion, the integration of biobased phase change materials in the cement mortar (M15D) displays benefits in enhancing thermal performance at building scales.

This study investigates the mechanical and thermophysical performance of cement mortars incorporating microencapsulated phase change materials (mPCMs), which consist of an aqueous dispersion of 100% bio-based fine core–shell particles. A specific protocol was used to manufacture the mortar samples, which ensures a homogeneous particle distribution and prevents microcapsule leakage. The addition of mPCMs to the mortar causesboth a decrease in density, an increase in porosity, and a substantial loss of mechanical strength. Conversely, hotdisk characterization revealed a large improvement in the thermal performance. The system containing 8 wt% mPCMs exhibits a good balance between its mechanical and thermal properties.

This study investigates the mechanical and thermophysical performance of cement mortars incorporating microencapsulated phase change materials (mPCMs), which consist of an aqueous dispersion of 100% bio-based fine core–shell particles. A specific protocol was used to manufacture the mortar samples, which ensures a homogeneous particle distribution and prevents microcapsule leakage. The addition of mPCMs to the mortar causesboth a decrease in density, an increase in porosity, and a substantial loss of mechanical strength. Conversely, hotdisk characterization revealed a large improvement in the thermal performance. The system containing 8 wt% mPCMs exhibits a good balance between its mechanical and thermal properties.

Abstract In the present work, the hygrothermal behavior of a wall structure made of a novel biobased material, i.e. date palm fiber reinforced concrete was investigated. In this context, a specific setup was developed which allows simulating a bi-climatic environment with separate outdoor and indoor environments. This device made it possible to apply various scenarios of static / dynamic hygrothermal loading to the outer side of wall, involving variation/cycling of temperature (T) and /or relative humidity (RH). During these experiments, resulting variations of T and RH across the wall thickness were monitored with in-situ sensors. Outstanding thermo-hygric phenomena were highlighted, such as high coupling effect between heat and moisture transfers, resulting from evaporation-condensation and sorption-desorption processes. Besides, significant thermal and hygric inertia was observed through the Date Palme Concrete (DPC) wall. The response time of this DPC wall to temperature variations remains shorter than in the case of humidity variations. Even so, large damping effect is obtained compared to outdoor boundary conditions, which make this DPC wall a good candidate for mitigating overheating during summertime and reducing interstitial condensation as well.

Abstract In the present work, the hygrothermal behavior of a wall structure made of a novel biobased material, i.e. date palm fiber reinforced concrete was investigated. In this context, a specific setup was developed which allows simulating a bi-climatic environment with separate outdoor and indoor environments. This device made it possible to apply various scenarios of static / dynamic hygrothermal loading to the outer side of wall, involving variation/cycling of temperature (T) and /or relative humidity (RH). During these experiments, resulting variations of T and RH across the wall thickness were monitored with in-situ sensors. Outstanding thermo-hygric phenomena were highlighted, such as high coupling effect between heat and moisture transfers, resulting from evaporation-condensation and sorption-desorption processes. Besides, significant thermal and hygric inertia was observed through the Date Palme Concrete (DPC) wall. The response time of this DPC wall to temperature variations remains shorter than in the case of humidity variations. Even so, large damping effect is obtained compared to outdoor boundary conditions, which make this DPC wall a good candidate for mitigating overheating during summertime and reducing interstitial condensation as well.