Experimental study on the thermal properties of the phase change material wall formed by different methods

The thermal properties of the shape-stabilized phase change material walls with different structure were studied. The phase change material is composed of paraffin mixture and high-density polyethylene. The walls including concrete and shape-stabilized phase change material were prepared respectively by different methods. Preparation methods include direct mixing method and lamination interpolation method. Heat transfer process in the shape-stabilized PCM walls was studied by comparing with traditional wall. The results showed that the surface temperature and the heat flow through the phase change material walls prepared by different methods are lower than that of traditional wall and the change is small. Energy-saving effect of the shape-stabilized PCM walls prepared by lamination interpolation method is better than that of the shape stabilized PCM walls by direct mixing. Results in this paper can provide the basis for the application of the shape stabilized PCM walls in the buildings. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved