• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.555-566
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• 2023

In this study, a composite phase change material (CPCM) produced using the SOL-GEL technique was developed as a thermal energy storage medium for low-temperature applications. Tetradecane and activated carbon (AC) were used as the core and supporting materials, respectively. The tetradecane phase change material (PCM) was impregnated into the porous structure of AC using the vacuum impregnation method, and a thin layer of silica gel was coated on the prepared composite using the SOL-GEL process, where tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was used as the silica source. The thermal performance of the CPCM was analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). DSC results showed that the pure tetradecane PCM had melting and freezing temperatures of 6.4℃ and 1.3℃ and corresponding enthalpies 226 J/g and 223.8 J/g, respectively. The CPCM exhibited enthalpy of 32.98 J/g and 27.7 J/g during the melting and freezing processes at 7.1℃ and 2.4℃, respectively. TGA test results revealed that the AC is thermally stable up to 500℃, which is much higher than the decomposition temperature of the pure tetradecane, which is around 120℃. Moreover, in the case of AC-PCM and CPCM thermal degradation started at 80℃ and 100℃, respectively. The chemical stability of the CPCM was studied using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and the results confirmed that the developed composite is chemically stable. Finally, the surface morphology of the AC and CPCM was analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which confirmed the presence of a thin layer of silica gel on the AC surface after the SOL-GEL process.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.278-286
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• 2021

In this study, based on the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation model developed through previous study, inner environmenct of the modified glass greenhouse was predicted. Also, suggested the optimal shape of the greenhouse and location of the heat exchangers for heat energy management of the greenhouse using the developed model. For efficient heating energy management, the glass greenhouse was modified by changing the cross-section design and the location of the heat exchanger. The optimal cross-section design was selected based on the cross-section design standard of Republic of Korea's glass greenhouse, and the Fan Coil Unit(FCU) and the radiating pipe were re-positioned based on "Standard of greenhouse environment design" to enhance energy saving efficiency. The simulation analysis was performed to predict the inner temperature distribution and heat transfer with the modified greenhouse structure using the developed inner environment prediction model. As a result of simulation, the mean temperature and uniformity of the modified greenhouse were 0.65℃, 0.75%p higher than those of the control greenhouse, respectively. Also, the maximum deviation decreased by an average of 0.25℃. And the mean age of air was 18 sec. lower than that of the control greenhouse. It was confirmed that efficient heating energy management was possible in the modified greenhouse, when considered the temperature uniformity and the ventilation performance.