International Journal of Engineering Research and General Science Volume 2, Issue 4, June-July, 2014 ISSN 2091-2730 624 www.ijergs.org Use of Phase Change Materials in Construction of Buildings: A Review Pawan R. Ingole 1 , Tushar R Mohod 2 , Sagar S Gaddamwar 2 1 Asst. Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, J.D.I.E.T. Yavatmal, S.G.B.A. University, India E-mail- pawaningole5@gmail.com Abstract— Phase-change material (PCM) is a substance with a high heat of fusion which, on melting and solidifying at a certain temperature, is capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy. PCMs are regarded as a possible solution for reducing the energy consumption of buildings. For raising the building inertia and stabilizing the indoor climate, PCMs are more useful because of its nature of storing and releasing heat within a certain temperature range. In this paper, recent development in the field of using different types of PCMs with concrete, their incorporation and the influence of PCMs on the properties of concrete at the different stages are reviewed. Keywords— Eutectic, Immersions, Impregnation Paraffines, Phase change materials. INTRODUCTION Phase Change Materials exhibits Thermodynamic property of storing large amount of latent heat during its phase change. PCM solidifies on drop of ambient temperature giving off its latent heat of fusion. As compared to conventional materials PCMs have the property of storing high amount of latent heat giving more heat storage capacity per unit volume. PCMs are implemented in Gypsum wall boards, plasters, textured finishes due to its thermal energy storage application. Chemical composition Of PCMs yields to three basic sub-categories namely (i) organic compounds, (ii) inorganic compounds and (iii) inorganic eutectics or eutectic mixtures. PCMs should be desired to have high latent heat of fusion and good heat transfer rate. It mainly depends upon desired comfort temperature and ambient temperature. Super cooling influences the performance of PCMs. Incorporation of PCMs in construction work and to provide information on their characteristics are the main aim of this paper. 1. CLASSIFICATION OF PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS 1.1 EUTECTICS Eutectic mixtures or eutectics are the mixtures having low melting point of multiple solids and its volumetric storage density is slightly higher than that of organic compounds. The eutectic binary systems showed melting points between 18 and 51 ◦C and freezing points between 16 and 51 ◦C, with a heat of fusion between 120 and 160kJ/kg. The organic eutectic capric mauric acid is the most suited for passive solar storage since it has a melting point of 18 0C, a freezing point of 17 ◦C and a heat of fusion of 120kJ/kg. 1.2 ORGANIC PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS These are generally stable compounds and free from super cooling, corrosion, having great latent heat of fusion. Commercial paraffin waxes are inexpensive and have a reasonable thermal storage density of 120kJ/kg up to 210kJ/kg. Paraffins are chemically inert and available in a wide range of melting temperatures from approximately 200C up to about 700C, of most interest in this group are the fatty acids or palmitoleic acids. It is free from super cooling, volumetric change and has high latent heat of fusion. 1.3 INORGANIC PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS PCMs exhibit properties of good thermal conductivity, affordability and non-flammability. However, most of them are corrosive to most metals, undergo super cooling and undergo phase decomposition. Highly crystalline polymer for example high density polyethylene (HDPE) is advantageous if it is rendered stable by cross linking when 98% of the heat of fusion is used by transition. Most of them occur at higher unfavorable temperatures ranging from 30 ◦C to 600◦C. Table1: List of Main Phase Change Materials Organic Paraffins Inorganic Polyglycol E400 Paraffin C14 H 2 O Polyglycol E 600 Paraffin C15–C16 LiClO3·3H2O Polyglycol E 6000 Paraffin C16–C18 Mn(NO3)2·6H2O Dodecanol Paraffin C13–C24 LiNO3·3H2O Tetradodocanol Paraffin C16–C28 Zn(NO3)2·6H2O