Increase Energy Efficiency with Concrete Encapsulation Phase Change Material

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 59 views

Increase Energy Efficiency with Concrete Encapsulation Phase Change Material

The world is shifting towards renewable energy sources to combat climate change, and one of the promising technologies in increasing energy efficiency is thermal energy storage. Phase change material (PCM) is a material that can store and release heat energy with phase changes, making it a very potential application in renewable energy buildings and energy systems. This study explores the potential of PCM based on PEG 6000-Magnetite (FE3O4) as a medium for thermal energy storage.

Background of Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal energy storage is a technology that allows for the storage of thermal energy during off-peak hours and releases it during peak hours, reducing the strain on the energy grid. This technology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Phase change materials (PCMs) are a type of thermal energy storage material that can store and release heat energy with phase changes, making them a promising technology for various applications.

Methodology of Making PCM with PEG 6000-Magnetite (FE3O4)

This study uses a sonication method to make PCM with PEG 6000-Magnetite (FE3O4). The sonication method involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to mix the PCM components. The two compositions used in this study are 20% Fe3O480% PEG 6000 and 30% Fe3O470% PEG 6000. To increase heat transfer efficiency, the PCM is then disappeared in concrete with four copper tubes.

Characterization of PCM

The results of characterization show that the addition of magnetite (Fe3O4) has succeeded in increasing the thermal conductivity of PCM. XRD analysis confirmed that FE3O4 has a cubic crystal structure with a crystal size of 23.85 Nm, while PEG 6000 has a semi-crystal structure with a crystal size of 25.32 Nm. SEM analysis shows that 10μm nanomagnetite particles are homogeneous distributed in the 6000 PEG structure. EDX analysis identifies elements C, O, and Fe in PCM. FTIR shows a functional group that indicates the existence of 6000 PEG and Magnetite (FE3O4) in PCM.

Thermal Properties of PCM

The results of VSM characterization show that PCM is superparamagnetic with a stronger magnetic nature compared to the addition of magnetite (Fe3O4) only. The PCM heat storage capacity is measured by the bomb calorimetric method, and obtained a value of 12810 (J/G), with the thermal energy absorption area of 457,553 MJ. The thermal conductivity of PCM is measured at 0.30 (W/MK).

Density and Porosity Testing

Density and porosity testing shows that the PCM density value increases while the porosity value decreases with the addition of magnetite. This indicates that the addition of magnetite has a positive effect on the thermal properties of PCM.

Thermal Distribution Test

The thermal distribution test shows that the composition of PCM 20%Fe3O480%PEG 6000 has optimal performance, with the highest temperature reaching 60 ° C. This indicates that the composition of PCM 20%Fe3O480%PEG 6000 has the best thermal properties.

Conclusion

This study shows that PCM-based PEG 6000-Magnetite (FE3O4) has great potential as a thermal energy storage medium. The addition of magnetite increases thermal conductivity and increases the capability of PCM heat storage. In addition, the superparamagnetic nature of PCM opens opportunities for the development of the thermal energy storage system that is more efficient and easy to control. The results of this study can be the basis for developing thermal energy storage technology for various applications, such as buildings, renewable energy systems, and transportation systems.

Future Work

Future work can focus on optimizing the composition of PCM and improving its thermal properties. Additionally, the development of a scalable manufacturing process for PCM can help to make it more widely available for various applications.

References

[1] A. K. Singh, et al., "Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage: A Review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 42, pp. 121-136, 2015.
[2] J. Liu, et al., "Preparation and Characterization of Phase Change Materials Based on PEG 6000 and Magnetite," Journal of Materials Science, vol. 51, no. 10, pp. 5311-5323, 2016.
[3] Y. Zhang, et al., "Thermal Energy Storage with Phase Change Materials: A Review," Applied Energy, vol. 162, pp. 153-164, 2016.

Q: What is Phase Change Material (PCM)?

A: Phase Change Material (PCM) is a material that can store and release heat energy with phase changes. PCMs are used in various applications, including thermal energy storage, to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Q: What is the purpose of adding magnetite (Fe3O4) to PEG 6000?

A: The addition of magnetite (Fe3O4) to PEG 6000 increases the thermal conductivity of the PCM, making it more efficient for thermal energy storage.

Q: How is the PCM made?

A: The PCM is made using a sonication method, which involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to mix the PCM components.

Q: What are the thermal properties of the PCM?

A: The thermal properties of the PCM include a heat storage capacity of 12810 (J/G), a thermal energy absorption area of 457,553 MJ, and a thermal conductivity of 0.30 (W/MK).

Q: What is the density and porosity of the PCM?

A: The density of the PCM increases while the porosity decreases with the addition of magnetite.

Q: What is the superparamagnetic nature of the PCM?

A: The superparamagnetic nature of the PCM means that it has a stronger magnetic nature compared to the addition of magnetite (Fe3O4) only.

Q: What are the applications of the PCM?

A: The PCM can be used in various applications, including thermal energy storage, renewable energy systems, and transportation systems.

Q: How can the PCM be scaled up for commercial use?

A: The PCM can be scaled up for commercial use by developing a scalable manufacturing process.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the PCM?

A: Future directions for research on the PCM include optimizing the composition of the PCM and improving its thermal properties.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using the PCM?

A: The potential benefits of using the PCM include increased energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved thermal energy storage.

Q: What are the potential challenges of using the PCM?

A: The potential challenges of using the PCM include the need for further research and development to optimize its composition and thermal properties.

Q: How can the PCM be used in buildings?

A: The PCM can be used in buildings to improve thermal energy storage and reduce energy consumption.

Q: How can the PCM be used in renewable energy systems?

A: The PCM can be used in renewable energy systems to improve thermal energy storage and reduce energy consumption.

Q: How can the PCM be used in transportation systems?

A: The PCM can be used in transportation systems to improve thermal energy storage and reduce energy consumption.

Q: What are the potential economic benefits of using the PCM?

A: The potential economic benefits of using the PCM include reduced energy costs and improved energy efficiency.

Q: What are the potential environmental benefits of using the PCM?

A: The potential environmental benefits of using the PCM include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy efficiency.

Q: How can the PCM be used in combination with other energy storage technologies?

A: The PCM can be used in combination with other energy storage technologies, such as batteries and thermal energy storage systems, to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Q: What are the potential future directions for research on the PCM?

A: The potential future directions for research on the PCM include optimizing the composition of the PCM, improving its thermal properties, and developing scalable manufacturing processes.