A new non-deformed energy storage phase change material (PCM) can retain and release heat according to specific temperature requirements - a breakthrough that might make a significant difference to the cost of heating and cooling buildings.

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 looks like a circular tablet with the circumference of a large coin in the laboratory and can be manufactured so small that it can be sprayed as an unobtrusive microscopic film on surfaces and could be applied anywhere, from walls and roofs to wallpaper.

The researchers based at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) believe their phase change material possesses a larger energy storage capacity with faster thermal response than existing materials and could be cheaply manufactured.  It was recently awarded a patent application approval in China and patent applications are in the pipeline for other countries.

The scientists responsible for the breakthrough are project leader Professor Jo Darkwa, who is Director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies, Research Associate Oliver Su and, PhD student Tony Zhou.  Darkwa said, "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 per cent of total energy usage and also a significant proportion of pollutant emissions.

"This material, if widely used, could make a major impact in the world's efforts to reduce carbon emission."

The basic structure of the material has to be engineered for a specific temperature before it is used. The next developmental steps will include creating material which can be used for both heating and cooling applications.

"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," said Darkwa. 

They say the material could potentially save up to 35 percent of energy in a building and believe it could also be used in solar panels and LED (light-emitting diode) lighting to enhance their efficiency.

Future research will focus on exploring which types of paints can be used with the material,  
assessing the long-term environmental impacts of the use of the materials improving the production of the material to enhance cost efficiency and ensure the process is environmentally-friendly.