Building Material Absorbs and Releases Heat

Zothecula writes "Researchers at the Ningpo, China campus of the University of Nottingham (UNNC) have created a new heat-regulating material that could be used to cut the heating and cooling costs of buildings. The non-deformed storage phase change material (PCM) can be fixed so that it starts absorbing any excess heat above a pre-determined temperature and releasing stored heat when the ambient temperature drops below the set point. The researchers say the material can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes, even small enough so that it can be sprayed as a microscopic film to surfaces in existing buildings."

Comments

Limited utility

[rgmoore]

Note that this kind of material only works to increase the heat capacity of the building, so it will only work when the temperature fluctuates across the phase change temperature over the course of the day. You'll still need a heater if it gets cold and stays cold and an air conditioner if it gets hot and stays hot. The big benefit is that the heat capacity only applies across a narrow temperature range, so it's relatively easy to maintain that temperature passively.