Phase Change Matters blog

Research roundup: Hardened cement paste, energy storage containers, nanocomposites

Ben Welter - Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Thermophysical and Mechanical Properties of Hardened Cement Paste with Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials for Energy Storage [Materials]

Thermal Performance Evaluation of Two Thermal Energy Storage Tank Design Concepts for Use with a Solid Particle Receiver-Based Solar Power Tower [Energies]

Experimental study on solving the blocking for the direct contact mobilized thermal energy storage container [Applied Thermal Engineering]

Thermal conductivity enhancement of lauric acid phase change nanocomposite in solid and liquid state with single-walled carbon nanohorn inclusions [Thermochimica Acta]

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PCMs enlisted in fight against Ebola

Ben Welter - Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Cooling garments powered by phase change material are among the innovations advancing in the U.S. Agency for International Development's "Fighting Ebola: a Grand Challenge for Development."

The program, begun in October, is focused on finding innovative ways to help health care workers contain the Ebola virus and provide better care for people who contract it. More than 1,500 ideas from around the world have been submitted to the program.

The first round of awards focuses on improving the safety and comfort of the personal protective equipment worn by health care workers in the heat and humidity of West Africa.

USAID is partnering with the Global Good Fund/Intellectual Ventures to rapidly evaluate several cooling solutions, including off-the-shelf, rapidly deployable cooling garments now used by military. These garments can be worn under personal protective equipment.

Other ideas winning support:

A safety suit with integrated cooling features, redesigned to be put on and taken off more quickly and safely (Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Bioengineering Innovation & Design and Jhpiego)
A topical antiseptic that provides up to six hours of pathogen protection (Aquarius GEP and Innovative BioDefense)
A long-lasting, spray-on barrier that kills and repels microbes with electro-static fields (SPR Advanced Technologies Inc.)

http://www.ebolagrandchallenge.net/news/2014/12/12/united-states-announces-results-of-grand-challenge-to-fight-ebola

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Western Refrigeration using PCMs in coolers, freezers

Ben Welter - Tuesday, December 16, 2014

In countries like India, where power failures are commonplace, refrigerators and freezers need backup. Western Refrigeration and other manufacturers are incorporating phase change material in their coolers and freezers to keep food cold during outages -- and help the appliances operate more efficiently.

http://www.process-worldwide.com/engineering_construction/operational_excellence/operational_excellence/articles/470050

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Global demand for PCMs projected to hit $1.47 billion by 2019

Ben Welter - Monday, December 15, 2014

The global demand for advanced phase change materials is expected to reach $1.47 billion by 2019. The latest research report on the industry by Markets and Markets attributes the growth to increasing demand for advanced PCM in several areas, including thermal energy storage, building/construction, HVAC, cold chain, shipping, packaging/transportation, textiles and electronics.

The main types of advanced PCMs are salt hydrates, paraffins and biobased compounds. "Biobased PCM is estimated to have the highest CAGR from 2014 to 2019," the report said. "Prices of biobased PCM are also likely to fall significantly during the same period."

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/advanced-phase-change-material-pcm-market-1087.html

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Seattle building wins ASHRAE technology award

Ben Welter - Monday, December 15, 2014

Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District headquarters

A three-story Seattle office building is one of nine projects recognized for innovative design with an ASHRAE Technology Award. Federal Center South, home to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District, received first place in the new commercial buildings category.

Among the innovative energy conservation technologies incorporated in the 209,000-square-foot building are thermal energy storage using phase change material and "a 100% outside air ventilation system with heat recovery of exhaust serving a raised floor ventilation air distribution system."

The projected annual energy cost for the building was modeled at $80,740, compared to ASHRAE's baseline of $135,791.

http://www.esmagazine.com/articles/96914-ashrae-announces-technology-award-winners

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Research roundup: Synthesized polymeric solid-solid PCMs, corrosion of metal containers and more

Ben Welter - Friday, December 12, 2014

Novel form stable phase change materials based on the composites of polyethylene glycol/polymeric solid-solid phase change material [Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells]
Melting and solidification heat transfer characteristics of phase change material in a latent heat storage vessel: Effect of perforated partition plate [International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer]
Analysis of new heat exchanger performance in phase change energy storage [Advanced Materials Research]
Corrosion of metal containers for use in PCM energy storage [Renewable Energy]

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PCMs, the gift that keeps on giving

Ben Welter - Thursday, December 11, 2014

Phase change materials are appearing in more consumer goods every year. In the spirit of the season, we'll share links to PCM-themed gift ideas over the next few weeks.

Fohm Inc.'s Silhouette Pillow, "a pillow that stays cool all night long," uses phase change material in two ways: PCMs are embedded in the memory foam and in one side of the liner.

https://fohm.com/product/silhouette-pillow

Thanks to PCMs, the Kjus Hawk ski jacket "absorbs heat when you have plenty of it, and re-releases it when you need more." Assuming you have $1,200 to spare.

http://www.buckmans.com/winter-apparel/insulated-jackets/kjus-hawk-jacket-mens-17548-o4i_17548.aspx

Oppo's R5 smartphone, aimed at consumers in China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Australia, uses phase change material to "keep it at a constant cool temperature" and maintain functionality. With a width of 4.85 mm, it is advertised as the world's thinnest phone.

http://www.microfinancemonitor.com/2014/10/31/oppo-to-launch-swivel-camera-n3-r5-phone-in-india-in-december

Designed by Science Photo Library, these greeting cards feature scanning electron microscope images of PCM-laden microcapsules embedded in fabric.

http://www.cafepress.com/mf/71636272/phase-change-material-sem-_greeting-cards

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Surface water TES system honored

Ben Welter - Wednesday, December 10, 2014

IF Technology of the Netherlands has received a Sustainable Urban Delta Award for its innovative thermal energy storage system for a residential complex in Wageningen. The system takes advantage of temperature differences in surface water near the complex. In summer, for example, warm water is stored in an aquifer thermal storage system that helps heat the complex in winter. Overall, the system is said to be 25 percent more efficient than a conventional seasonal TES system.

The Delta Award recognizes Dutch companies that offer innovative solutions to the climate-change challenges faced by cities in low-lying, densely populated coastal areas with large river estuaries.

http://www.dutchwatersector.com/news-events/news/12539-if-technology-and-deltasync-win-first-sustainable-urban-delta-awards-2014.html

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Trend toward smart textiles is driving growth in microencapsulated PCMs

Ben Welter - Tuesday, December 09, 2014

The latest Frost & Sullivan research on the global market for microencapsulated phase change materials in textiles and mattresses is out. F&S reports that the industry earned revenues of $45.1 million in 2013 and projects that number will reach $99 million in 2018.

The report covers fibers, yarns, fabrics, foams and gels that incorporate microencapsulated PCMs. F&S says the trend toward smart textiles that comfortably regulate temperature is driving the use of microencapsulated PCMs in clothing and mattresses.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enhanced-comfort-offered-by-microencapsulated-phase-change-materials-drives-use-in-textiles-and-mattresses-300005869.html

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