Phase-change materials in architecture-opportunities and constraints
Affordability, which implies minimizing both construction and operating costs, is probably the central challenge of architecture today. The twin demands can be met only by simultaneously increasing construction quality and energy efficiency, while keeping its cost down. Innovative, labor- and time-saving construction techniques tend to rely on lighter weight structural components and the utilization of premanufactured components. Under these circumstances, phase change materials (PCM's) offer about the only opportunity to introduce thermal mass into modern buildings. The opportunities discussed here have to do with the relatively light weight of these materials compared to traditional means of providing mass in buildings; and with the flexibility with which these materials may be introduced into structures. The constraints are presented by aesthetic consideration on the one hand, and heat transfer considerations on the other. Ultimately the architectural challenge is to integrate these materials with both the traditional and the emerging techniques to construct buildings and provide them with indoor comfort safely at a reasonable cost.
- Research Organization:
- Building Technology, Washington, DC
- OSTI ID:
- 5505053
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-850606-
- Journal Information:
- ASHRAE Trans.; (United States), Vol. 91:2B; Conference: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' semiannual meeting, Honolulu, HI, USA, 23 Jun 1985
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
PREFABRICATED BUILDINGS
ARCHITECTURE
CONSTRUCTION
PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS
AESTHETICS
BUILDING MATERIALS
COST
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
HEAT TRANSFER
LABOR
SAFETY
THERMAL COMFORT
THERMAL MASS
TIME DELAY
WEIGHT
BUILDINGS
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY TRANSFER
MASS
MATERIALS
320100* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Buildings
360603 - Materials- Properties