PCM-containing envelopes for passive cooling of buildings

Several technologic solutions for Phase Change Materials (PCM) insertion within external envelopes have been developed. The two main prototypes following from this research are:

PCM tile for use under external finishes, to be adopted both in new construction and building refurbishment;
PS panel with rigid PCM containers, which is a precast module for external walls, including an internal insulation layer, a middle PCM layer and an external thin metal finish.

The changeable behaviour of PCMs, which can store heat when it is in excess according to building real needs and release it during the cooler hours of the day, allows to optimize walls behaviour through the use of passive means. Its high thermal inertia does not require the use of thick layers, resulting as a very low invasive technology.

This research was also funded by the EU Commission as “C-Tide” project (“Changeable Thermal Inertia Dry Enclosures”) within the 5th framework program.

Research group

Alessandro Carbonari

Massimo Lemma

Mario De Grassi

Costanzo Di Perna (DIISM)

Paolo Principi (DIISM)

C-TIDE PROJECT DATA
Project Coordinator	Prof. Mario De Grassi Università Politecnica delle Marche Via Brecce Bianche – 60131 Ancona
Project Consurtium	PCQ:Consortium of Departments from Università Politecnica delle Marche, Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, Italy BMG, Centre for Built Environment, University of Gävle, Sweden Vanoncini spa, Italy Climator AB, Sweden Impresa Carlo Poggi, Italy
EU Research Programme	VFP – Energy and Environmental Sustainable Development Programme – Cooperative Research

PCM-containing envelopes for passive cooling of buildings – CTIDE

Research group