New thermal conditioning material can save energy in buildings by 35%

According to European media reports recently, scientists from the University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China, developed a new thermal conditioning material. This non-deformable thermal phase change material (PCM) can absorb more than a preset amount of heat, and when When the temperature is lower than the set temperature, the stored heat can be released, which can greatly reduce the heating and cooling costs of the building, and can also effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.

The study was conducted by a team led by Qiao Dakuan, director of the Renewable Energy Technology Research Center at the University of Nottingham Ningbo Campus. The researchers said that this novel material has a particularly strong energy storage capability and a faster thermal response than existing materials. And the production cost is very low.

Scientists said that the material produced in the laboratory looks like a coin-sized circular plate, but it can be made into various shapes and different sizes, and it can also be sprayed as a thin film to existing ones. The surface of a building, therefore, has a wide range of applications and can be used to make walls, roofs, wallpapers, and the like.

Researchers estimate that this material can save buildings up to 35% of energy consumption and can also be used to enhance the performance of solar panels and LED bulbs.

However, Qiao Dakuan pointed out: "This material will not make the air conditioner obsolete because people still need air conditioning to control the movement of humidity and air. This material only reduces the excess energy in the room."

Scientists have applied for patents for this novelty material and are conducting further research to commercialize it as soon as possible.

“The carbon emissions of the construction industry far exceed those of other industries including the aerospace industry. Buildings consume 30% of the world’s total energy, and they also emit a lot of pollutants. If this material is widely used, it may greatly help Global Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction Activities," said Qiao Dakai.