Implementation of shape stabilized phase change material in building materials for energy efficient building development

Palm oil and biodiesel is one of an important export commodity of Thailand. However, an uncertainty on palm oil biodiesel regulation has been threatening the sustainability of palm oil industry worldwide. As a leading biodiesel exporter, Energy Absolute PCL. (EA) has paid a great attention on technology research and development to enhance palm oil value. They have succeeded innovating world’s first plant-based phase change material (PCM) which is 3 times more profitable than converting palm oil into biodiesel. PCM can be applied in various application to maintain the product temperature using its large latent heat capacity. An implementation of PCM in construction material is an interesting research topic. Applying PCM for the development of innovative building material will facilitate the demonstration of energy efficient building. PCM embedded material could passively maintain indoor temperature and human comfort conditions. However, the stability of final product is an important concern when PCM is implemented. Since the phase of PCM is repeatedly shift throughout the product application, it should be processed into stable form prior to the formulation. Shape stabilization is a simple and cost saving approach to acquire a shape stabilized PCM (SSPCM). There are also limitless choices of material to be formulated with SSPCM thus expand its market opportunities. This work aims for the development of SSPCM production from EA’s exist materials for the formulation of innovative building materials and test for their performance in energy efficient prototype building. The output from this project
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is expected to benefit further commercialization of EA’s developed PCM thus support palm oil industry competitiveness and facilitate the establishment of biorefinery industry.