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Effect of Macrocapsule Geometry on PCM Performance for Thermal Regulation in Buildings

Author

Listed:
  • Margarida Gonçalves

    (CERIS-Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Civil Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • António Figueiredo

    (CERIS-Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Civil Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • German Vela

    (CERIS-Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Civil Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Filipe Rebelo

    (CERIS-Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Civil Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Ricardo M. S. F. Almeida

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, School of Technology and Management, Campus Politécnico de Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
    Institute of R&D in Structures and Construction-LFC (CONSTRUCT-LFC), Faculty of Engineering (FEUP), University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Mónica S. A. Oliveira

    (TEMA-Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    LASI-Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Romeu Vicente

    (CERIS-Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Civil Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

Abstract

The integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) into thermal energy storage systems offers significant potential for reducing energy consumption and improving thermal comfort, crucial issues for achieving sustainable building stocks. Nevertheless, the performance of PCM-based systems is strongly influenced by the container geometry. Among the various forms of incorporating PCMs into building applications, macroencapsulation is the most versatile and is, therefore, widely used. Herewith, this paper analyzes the impact of macrocapsule geometry on PCM thermal performance. Thermal properties of the material were first tested using Differential Scanning Calorimetry at five heating/cooling rates to evaluate its influence on phase-change temperatures and enthalpy. Then, an experimental setup evaluated four macrocapsule geometries on the enclosed PCM behavior during charging and discharging processes. The PCM characterization revealed that the slowest-tested rate minimized the supercooling effect. Analysis across different macrocapsule geometries showed that sectioning the contact surface improved heat transfer efficiency by fully mobilizing the PCM and reducing phase-change times. Conversely, double-layered geometry designs hindered heat transfer, presenting challenges in completing PCM charging and discharging. These findings suggest that optimizing its performance is a necessary direction for further research, which may include adjusting the PCM operating temperature range across layers or redesigning the geometry to misalign contact surfaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Margarida Gonçalves & António Figueiredo & German Vela & Filipe Rebelo & Ricardo M. S. F. Almeida & Mónica S. A. Oliveira & Romeu Vicente, 2025. "Effect of Macrocapsule Geometry on PCM Performance for Thermal Regulation in Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:2:p:303-:d:1564988
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    References listed on IDEAS

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