Mechanistic Modelling for Optimising LTES-Enhanced Composites for Construction Applications

This study addresses the optimisation of latent heat thermal energy storage (LTES) composites for construction applications by utilising mechanistic modelling. The work focuses on enhancing the performance of phase change materials (PCMs) incorporated into expanded perlite (EP) for building energy efficiency by delivering sorption capacity models analysing factors such as particle size, surface area, and pore volume, particularly highlighting the performance of EP as a PCM carrier due to its high porosity (around 90%) and large surface area (up to 20 m2/g), which allowed for improved energy storage density and heat transfer. Key challenges in the integration of PCMs into construction materials, such as limited thermal conductivity and leakage during phase transitions, are explored. The model evaluates key parameters affecting sorption, such as temperature, pressure, and surface characteristics of the materials. The results indicate that while higher temperatures enhance sorption in larger pores, they reduce efficiency in smaller ones, leading to a slight overall decrease in total sorption capacity at elevated temperatures. The sorption capacity of water is a value slightly above 2 kg/kg EP, while the PCM RT27 exhibits a sorption capacity of 0.59 kg/kg EP. These results represent the optimised sorption performance in terms of temperature between 40 °C and 50 °C. Furthermore, applying vacuum impregnation is investigated in relation to the pore radii of the EP particles. Larger pore radii show a noticeable improvement in overall sorption capacity from 0.59 kg/kg EP to 0.68 kg/kg EP as pressure increases, especially beyond 4 × 105 Pa. The contribution of inter-particle sorption remains stable, while the intra-particle sorption in large pores drives the overall capacity upward. The findings convey significant findings in optimising the design of LTES-enhanced composites for improved energy storage, thermal regulation, and structural integrity in building applications.

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