Thoughts or opinions on this phase-change material
user-2310254
| Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on
According to the manufacturer:
“Infinite Râ„¢ is a phase change building material that stores energy when you don’t need it, releasing it when you do.” http://www.insolcorp.com/
Is this for real or the next radiant barrier film? Any concerns about installing it in a high-performance building?
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Replies
Steve,
Phase-change building materials have been available for many years.
1. They are expensive. The incremental cost for these materials can't be repaid with anticipated energy savings.
2. They only work in buildings that have an unusual thermostat -- one with a very wide range of acceptable temperatures. In a building with an ordinary thermostat -- one that is set (for example) to 72 degrees F -- there will be no heat to store. Phase-change materials only work if occupants are willing to let the indoor temperature rise above the normal comfort zone -- so that the materials can store heat for later release.
Martin. I found out about this material on a hobby site. The individual who posted is a mechanical engineer, and he had just spec'd 100,000 square feet of the product for a commercial customer. Just made me wonder...
Would this mechanical engineer just happen to have some investment in the company that makes this stuff? Just a guess ...
It's probably too expensive, but you can get it with a phase change temp of 65f so if you swing above and below that everyday it could work
Water is a cheap phase change material. It will help keep you above 32 F below 212 F at standard atmosphere and pressure. Of course there is always compromises with comfort and costs.