Phase Change Material Mat Assembly for Building Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase change material (PCM) assemblies in buildings face challenges in achieving significant energy and cost savings while meeting economic models for acceptable Return on Investment (ROI) and First Cost, due to poor performance and long ROI, largely attributed to lack of engineering and technical development in PCM product assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The development of StasisPCM, which uses bio-based phase change materials encapsulated in plastic layers with optimized engineering and installation methods, specifically designed for new and existing buildings to store and release energy through solid-to-liquid and liquid-to-solid phase transitions at engineered temperatures, reducing energy consumption and costs by managing thermal energy loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If phase change material assemblies are used in buildings, then energy consumption is reduced, but Return on Investment is extended due to poor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the phase change material by selecting specific materials with optimized melting points (72-76°F solid to liquid transition, 68-71°F liquid to solid transition) and encapsulating them in plastic layers with specific heat transfer capabilities. This optimization of material parameters enhances thermal performance and accelerates ROI
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures by encapsulating phase change material within plastic layers that have heat transfer capabilities. This composite approach combines the thermal energy storage properties of PCM with the heat transfer efficiency of plastic layers, improving overall system performance and reducing energy consumption more effectively
2Use of energy by moving object
If phase change material assemblies are used in buildings, then energy consumption is reduced, but First Cost increases due to poor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the amount of phase change material to between 0.15 lbs. and 1.0 lbs. per square foot, which is a specific parameter range designed to achieve cost-effectiveness. This quantitative optimization ensures sufficient thermal energy storage while controlling material costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies phase change material assemblies selectively in plenum areas above ceilings in specific building zones. This localized application targets areas where thermal energy management provides maximum benefit while minimizing overall material quantity and cost
3Temperature
If phase change material is used for thermal energy storage, then temperature regulation is achieved, but heat transfer efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces plastic layers with heat transfer capabilities as an intermediary between the phase change material and the building environment. These plastic layers facilitate efficient heat transfer while the PCM undergoes phase transitions, resolving the contradiction between temperature regulation and heat transfer efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
StasisPCM achieves greater energy savings and shorter ROI compared to existing PCM products, with energy consumption reductions of 25-45% and cost savings of 40-55% annually, by optimizing PCM assemblies for specific building conditions and climate zones, and extending the life cycle of the PCM with high latent heat capacity and low flammability.
Implementation Method 1
When the temperature of the phase change material is obtained which causes it to transition from a solid to a liquid state, the phase change material absorbs and stores a large amount of latent heat
Implementation Method 2
When the temperature of the phase change material then passes so that the material goes from a liquid to a solid state, the stored latent heat is released into the environment
Implementation Method 3
a first mat including a phase change material encapsulated within layers of plastic material having heat transfer capability
Data Source
AI summary
A system for obtaining energy consumptions, savings and cost reduction in structures adapted for human habitation which includes the utilization of a plurality of mats including phase change material encapsulated within first and second layers of plastic material having heat transfer capability disposed within the plenum area above a ceiling of a room within a building with the amount of phase change material contained within each mat being between 0.5 lbs. and 0.67 lbs. per square foot.