In the quest for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, a groundbreaking study led by Diao Rongdan from the School of Civil Engineering and Architecture at Wenzhou University is set to revolutionize the way we think about thermal insulation and energy storage. Published in the journal ‘Nonlinear Engineering,’ the research delves into the optimization of thermal characteristics of buried composite phase-change energy storage walls, offering a glimpse into the future of green construction.
At the heart of this innovation lies the use of nonlinear engineering methods to enhance the thermal performance of building walls. Diao Rongdan and his team have proposed multiple construction forms of embedded composite phase-change energy storage walls, each designed to study heat transfer and its impact on indoor environments. “The key to achieving energy efficiency in buildings is understanding and optimizing heat transfer mechanisms,” Diao Rongdan explains. “Our study reveals the heat transfer laws and mechanisms that affect indoor environments, paving the way for more sustainable construction practices.”
The research compares different configurations of phase-change walls, including ordinary, S-font, U-font, and back-font designs. Without water flow, the temperature differences at the base of these walls vary slightly, with the back-font design showing the highest difference at 8.94°C. However, when water flow is introduced, the temperature differences decrease significantly, highlighting the enhanced heat storage capabilities of these walls. “Smaller coil spacing in the phase-change walls leads to better heat storage, which is crucial for maintaining thermal comfort indoors,” Diao Rongdan notes.
One of the most compelling findings is the potential of these phase-change walls to reduce indoor air temperature by up to 3.2°C, a significant improvement in thermal comfort. This reduction not only enhances the living and working conditions within buildings but also contributes to substantial energy savings. By integrating nonlinear engineering methods, the study provides technical support for achieving green buildings and sustainable development, a goal that is increasingly important in the face of climate change and energy crises.
The implications of this research are far-reaching for the construction and energy sectors. As buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption, optimizing their thermal performance can lead to substantial energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. The findings from Diao Rongdan’s study offer a roadmap for future developments in energy-efficient construction, encouraging the adoption of phase-change energy storage walls in both residential and commercial buildings.
Moreover, the validation of numerical methods for studying phase-change walls, with a less than 10% error between measurements and simulations, opens up new avenues for research and development. This accuracy ensures that the proposed designs can be confidently implemented in real-world applications, driving innovation in the construction industry.
As we look to the future, the integration of phase-change energy storage walls in building design could become a standard practice, driven by the need for sustainability and energy efficiency. Diao Rongdan’s work, published in the journal ‘Nonlinear Engineering’ (translated to English as ‘Nonlinear Engineering’), is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research in addressing complex challenges. By combining nonlinear engineering methods with innovative construction techniques, the study provides a blueprint for achieving green buildings and a more sustainable future. The construction industry stands on the brink of a thermal revolution, and this research is leading the way.