Incorporation of Phase Change Materials in Concrete for Geothermal Energy Structures

REU: Underground Infrastructure REU | AUTHOR: Ryan Schanta​ – Cornell University

MENTORS: Suleiman Naito, Clay Naito – Lehigh University

ABSTRACT

Geothermal energy structures harbor viable opportunities for sustainable heating and cooling in many areas. They can be made significantly more efficient through the incorporation of phase change materials. Phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release significant amounts of latent heat when transitioning between solid and liquid phases. For energy structures, PCMs with a melting point equal to the desired cooling or heating temperature help to regulate the desired temperature, as excess heat flows in or out as the PCMs melt or freeze. Various materials and methods for phase change material incorporation into concrete for geothermal energy structures were studied in a literature review to gain an understanding of current technologies and challenges. A baseline concrete mix without any PCM was previously made and its thermomechanical properties were investigated. A concrete mix was then made with an inorganic PCM infused into a porous aggregate to compare the thermomechanical properties to assess if it would be suitable for use in geothermal energy structures. Data on the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity after seven days of curing were gathered, as well as data on the concrete curing temperature for the first day. The results showed that PCM incorporation into concrete reduces mechanical strength, although the final product would still be strong enough for many applications. Further research will investigate the thermal properties to determine if the concrete can meet the thermal demands and durability requirements of geothermal energy structures.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Ryan Schanta is a rising junior civil engineering major at Cornell University. Over the summer of 2021, he worked at the ATLSS research facility at Lehigh University to study the incorporation of phase change materials into concrete for geothermal energy structures. He has previously worked on research to characterize novel materials for geothermal tunnels. He hopes to research materials for geotechnical and water infrastructure projects, and eventually work on large-scale water infrastructure and coastal structures professionally.