USE OF MICROENCAPSULATED PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS (PCMS) IN THERMAL INSULATION FOR GLASS BUILDING FACADES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The idea of incorporating phase change material (PCM) in the construction industry is not a novel concept, especially in the area of thermal management. There exist scientific studies pertaining to PCMs but they are by and large applicable to a very wide scope, and have not been implemented extensively in the built environment. Besides the potential of PCMs in the use of thermal management, more advantages can be achieved through microencapsulation. Amongst the prevalent current trends of material usage in the Singapore’s buildings is the use of glass facades. However, the use of glass tends to create an undesirable effect of increase in cooling loads. Hence, the motivation of this research arises from the possibility of a useful solution to mitigating this issue. This study aims to encourage the application of microencapsulated PCMS on glass facades, by showing the potential of this method. Paraffin wax was microencapsulated with a polystyrene shell through the 3-fluid nozzle spray drying method. The extent of heat transmittance through the application of the microencapsulated PCM coating was determined. The thermal absorption capabilities of the coating are also tested and presented. Limitations were evaluated and recommendations were made to improve the study, as well as for further research. This study serves as a stepping stone in this specific area of application of microencapsulated PCMs, to provide a viable solution in thermal insulation for Singapore’s construction industry.