By Wu Yiyao

Scientists at University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) in Zhejiang province have invented a new material that could dramatically change the way buildings are constructed.

Researchers at UNNC have developed a novel non-deformed energy storage phase change material (PCM), a material with important long-term environmental benefits that will cut the amount of energy building uses by more than one-third.

The material is able to retain and release heat according to the specific temperature requirements for a building, which helps dramatically reduce heating and cooling bills.

The material looks like a circular tablet with the circumference of a large coin. It can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes, including sizes so small that it can be sprayed as an unobtrusive microscopic film to surfaces.

It has the unique advantage of possessing a larger energy storage capacity with faster thermal response than existing materials and could be cheaply manufactured.

Scientists at the university’s Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies said they are pleased to see the creation of this new material. Jo Darkwa, director of the center; Oliver Su, a research assistant; and Tony Zhou, a PhD candidate, are responsible for the inventive project.

“The construction industry produces more carbon emissions than any other industry in the world — even more than aviation. In China, the building sector is one of the highest energy consuming sectors, accounting for about 30 percent of total energy usage and also a significant proportion of pollutant emissions,” Darkwa said.

“This material, if widely used, could make a major impact in the world’s efforts to reduce carbon emission,” he said.

If, for example, the required optimum temperature in a room is 22 C, the material can be fixed so that it starts absorbing any excess heat above that temperature.

The heat-regulating material can be used in existing buildings and during the construction of new real estate. It could be applied anywhere, from walls and roofs to wallpaper.

The building material was recently awarded a patent application approval in China, the university was in a position to announce this week, and patent applications are underway in other countries.

The next developmental steps will include creating material that can be used for both heating and cooling applications.

Scientists at UNNC are also exploring which types of paints can be used with the unique materials, conducting studies to determine the long-term environmental impacts of the use of the materials, and finding ways to improve the production of the material to enhance cost efficiency and ensure the process is environmentally friendly.

“The material won’t make air-conditioners obsolete, because you still need an air conditioner to control humidity and air movement. This material purely reduces the amount of excessive heat energy in a room,” Darkwa said.

He added that the university is looking to develop the material further and commercialize it.

It already has a number of sponsors and partners involved in the research, including the Ningbo Science and Technology Bureau, which provided important funding and support for the initial two-year research, and private companies based in China.

The full cost of the research entailed in developing the new building material has not been disclosed. However, it was made possible through various grants, including from the Ningbo government, KK Chung Educational Group, Hong Kong-based Sustainable Sourcing Ltd and China’s Suntech Ltd.

Scientists believe it could also be used in solar panels and LED lighting to enhance the efficiency of these alternative energy-generating technologies.

“The university’s strategic investment in research infrastructure to facilitate the advancement of knowledge in sustainable energy technologies is reaping rewards” said Nabil Gindy, vice-provost for research and dean of the graduate school at UNNC.

“We are very proud of the research excellence of this particular team of scientists, who have proven to be world-class specialists in the field of sustainable energy technologies. The University of Nottingham has a longstanding commitment to the global environmental agenda,” he said.

Jackie Hadland contributed to the story.