Innovative Phase Change Approach for Significant Energy Savings

EW-201138

Objective

Phase Change Material (PCM) is used to change the thermal inertia of buildings to achieve and maintain the room at near constant temperature during days and nights. The objective of this project is to demonstrate the ability of PCM integrated into heat exchanger design and building ventilation systems to maintain heated and cooled spaces within a comfortable temperature range, with significant energy savings, up to 75%, on Department of Defense (DoD) installations.

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Technology Description

PCM, with its high latent heat capacities, is designed to absorb and release large amounts of heat within a given narrow temperature range. As the temperature rises above its melting point, PCM melts as it absorbs heat. As the temperature drops below solidification point, heat is released as the PCM solidifies, and a cooling-heating cycle is regenerated. The results are a more comfortable environment, with fewer temperature peaks and valleys, and a reduction and shift in energy demand.

This project will demonstrate a PCM system that consists of a PCM unit integrated with the air conditioning of the demonstration site at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The PCM unit is an innovative approach to maximize the effectiveness of heat transfer from room air to PCM at minimum pressure drop. The purpose of the air conditioning unit is to provide the right conditions to regenerate the PCM unit. The air conditioning unit will also maintain room humidity at acceptable levels. The aim is to demonstrate a reduction in energy consumption by at least 30% and maintain room temperature and humidity in the comfort zone (22°C [~73°F] and 60%), with minimum changes in maintenance requirements from current heat pump technology.

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Benefits

This technology integrates a PCM heat exchanger to current air conditioning technologies. With the minimum expected energy saving of 30%, this technology will help energy managers of DoD installations comply with Executive Order 13423, which requires an energy use reduction of 30% from 2003 levels. While this technology is not limited to certain locations, applying the technology will differ from one climate region to another. The demonstration will determine the design criteria for use of PCM as an active system and will indicate its limitations for different climate seasons. Such criteria will speed the adoption of the PCM technology throughout DoD. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2014)

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Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Dr. Aly Shaaban

Applied Research Associates, Inc

Phone: 850-767-0100

Program Manager

Energy and Water

SERDP and ESTCP

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.