Manufacture of optimized PCM within thermal comfort range to improve building energy performance

The objective of study is to manufacture the optimized PCM within thermal comfort range to improve thermal performance and building energy performance. In order to prepare the melting temperature of PCM close to the thermal comfort range, n-octadecane (OT), n-heptadecane (HT), and n-hexadecane (HX) were selected. According to the circulation water bath test to investigate the melting temperature of PCM, the mixed PCMs of OT and HT (OTHT) with 22 to 23 °C were close to the thermal comfort range. In addition, the circulation water bath test of OTHT depending on various mixing ratio, divided into ratios of 9:1 to 1:9, was conducted to evaluate the ideal PCM melting temperature. As a result, melting temperature of OTHTs were measured to be 24 to 26 °C, 23 to 24 °C, 22 to 23 °C, 21 to 23 °C, and 20 to 22 °C, respectively. According to the analysis of thermal performance of OTHTs, OTHT91, where phase change temperature appeared at 24 to 26 °C, were the optimized PCM due to the highest latent heat capacity and ideal melting temperature within thermal comfort range. This indicate that building materials with application of OTHT91 can contribute to reducing building energy consumption and improving thermal comfort of occupants when the indoor condition in buildings is maintained at thermal comfort range.