Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Multi-Layer Phase-Change Material Insulation
EPA Grant Number: SU836789Title: Multi-Layer Phase-Change Material Insulation
Investigators: Boetcher, Sandra
Institution: Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2016) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
The objective of the EPA People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Phase I (SU83678901) project is to improve building efficiency by implementing either multi-layer or composite phase-change material (PCM) insulation. Approximately 40% of the energy consumption and 70% of the electricity use in the United States is due to buildings. Not only is the use of electricity high, the demand varies significantly throughout the day. A major way that building energy consumption can be reduced is through novel building materials, such as composite materials containing PCMs, which control the flow of heat in and out of building roofs, walls, and floors. The insulation will be designed for homes located within the southeastern United States, particularly Florida.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
A sampling of preliminary results was presented in our full project report/Phase II proposal. A Matlab code for the ASHRAE Clear Sky model was developed. A preliminary experimental setup was developed utilizing building wall materials and phase-change material. Results are presented for a multi-layer PCM insulation configuration. Latent heat of mixed PCM was measured using a differential scanning calorimeter. Preliminary results show that utilizing PCM in buildings is feasible.
Conclusions:
The proposed PCM insulation aims to increase the efficiency of buildings and will provide for a sustainable future from the perspectives of People, Prosperity, and the Planet.
The project will benefit People by sustaining and improving human health. PCM insulation have no emissions and the construction materials will be environmentally friendly. It is expected that the proposed project will serve as a vehicle for outreach and education to the local community. Several previous ERAU EPA P3 projects have been featured in community news sources such as the Daytona Beach News Journal.
The PCM insulation project will also promote Prosperity. It is expected that the upfront costs of the PCM insulation will be larger than that for a regular insulation. However, due to the increased efficiency of the PCM insulation, the long-term costs will be lower. A major outcome of many EPA P3 projects, including one at ERAU, is the founding of a start-up company. In 2011 and 2012, ERAU won an EPA P3 Phase I Award (SU836025) and subsequent Phase II Award (SU836025): Portable Solar Water Purification System for Public Use During Disaster Recovery. The prototype from this project was developed as the first product (DROP: Disaster Ready On-Site Purifier) for a start-up company AquaSolve Ventures, LLC. It is expected that there is the potential for a PCM insulation commercial product to be developed from the award of an EPA P3 Phase I and Phase II grant. ERAU has the experience and has established a track record of mentoring students in entrepreneurial endeavors.
Lastly, the project will benefit the Planet. PCM insulation modules require no fuel, have zero emissions, and no waste products. The materials, particularly the PCM, that will be used are environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 3 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Phase-change materials, insulation, sustainability, solar decathlon, solar energyRelevant Websites:
The Beach House Solar Decathalon Exit
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.