Thermal behavior of building material containing microencapsulated PCM

The application of phase change materials (PCMs) for building applications has received considerable attention in recent years due to the large storage capacity and isothermal nature of the storage process. This paper summarizes the results of a physical model and analysis of thermal energy storage and temperature control achieved using mortar incorporating microencapsulated PCM. The validity of the numerical code used is ascertained by comparing our results with previously published results. The effect of different parameters such as the heating/cooling rate and the mass fraction of the PCM on the thermal behavior of the mortar is also analyzed.

► A physical model is developed to describe the thermal behavior of mortar incorporating microencapsulated PCM.
► The effect of different parameters such as the heating/cooling rate and the mass fraction of the PCM on the thermal behavior of the mortar is also analyzed.
► To determine with accuracy the thermophysical properties of the PCM it is desirable to use lower heating rates.