We are developing durable, conventional building components (concrete blocks, bricks, and tiles) for thermal energy storage, incorporating pre-packaged phase change materials (PCM) in pellet form, or packaged in pouches. The thermal energy can be from any source, including waste heat. Parameters for study include possible interaction between pellet capsule walls or laminated pouch and component matrix; possible water vapor migration; effect of the above phenomena on thermal storage; effect of possible PCM leaks. Testing will include accelerated aging and chemical, thermal analysis and mechanical tests on prototype samples. The effect of moisture barriers (i.e., sealants) on durability of PCM building components will be explored. In the past, difficulty has been encountered in containerizing PCM, particularly when improper integration techniques or unstable PCM were used. The pellet form and film pouches have shown a potential for long-term durability, especially with the use of a stable PCM formulation based on crystal modified Glauber's Salt. Building components containing PCM should find ready acceptance because they will be familiar in appearance and can be conventionally installed for passive solar applications as walls, ceilings, and floors, while not altering the appearance of the living spaces. They would be relatively inexpensive when produced on a large scale.The potential applications as described by the company: Building components containing PCM will be sold in hardware, lumber, and plumbing outlets, and can be used by "do-it-yourselfers." In the 701 ranges, PCM containing components can alleviate drastic temperature swings, and, together with heat pumps, average greater coefficients of performance. They would be ideal for retrofitting properly oriented existing structures.
