Effect of Micronal® PCM (phase change material)
on environmental temperature and CO2 emissions
Micronal® PCM are microscopically small polymer spheres containing a wax storage medium in their cores which, incorporated in plasters or gypsum wallboards, melt and solidify and regulate environmental temperatures offering energy savings for cooling and a great comfort in summer.
A study of the Passive House Institute Darmstadt shows the effect of 15 cm thick gypsum wallboards (Micronal® PCM SmartBoard TM by BASF with 26% Micronal® phase change material) on the energy demand, both in winter and summer, and the on CO2 emissions of the same office building in different climatic conditions.
As part of a passive cooling concept, Micronal® PCM SmartBoard TM or plasters containing Micronal® PCM, can completely substitute active cooling systems. This leads not only to energy savings, but also to savings of the maintenance and repair costs of the active cooling systems, which normally have an average life cycle of 15 years.
The simulation case, calculated with the simulation program DYNBIL of the Passive House Institute, is based on part of an office building (lightweight construction) composed of two offices being 1,80 m wide,
4 m long and 2,80 m high and a 1,20 m wide corridor. The windows are 1,80 m high and 1,60 m wide. The external wall is insulated with 8 cm Neopor® in Italy and Spain and with 15 cm Neopor® in Poland, Germany, France and UK. The building is north south oriented.
The office has high energy loads: one person works there from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (excluded 1 hour break). During that time electronic appliances consume 220 W (PC, monitor, printer..) and there is a continuous miscellaneous consumption of 15 W. An active cooling system is necessary, windows will be opened during night time when appropriate.
Effect of Micronal® PCM (phase change material)