Thermal Performance of Nanoparticle Reinforced Enzymatic Construction Materials: Photothermal Heating System Proposal

Zhukov, Georgy; McNamara, Anne

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Thermal Performance of Nanoparticle Reinforced Enzymatic Construction Materials: Photothermal Heating System Proposal

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Building operations and the construction sectors are both responsible for 38% of the total CO2 emissions worldwide (Architecture 2030, 2022). Energy consumption and associated CO2 emissions must be diminished to put the United States on track for the Federal Sustainability Plan (Executive Order 14057). The Enzymatic Construction Material with nanoparticles (ECM-n) is a new carbon-negative alternative to concrete that offers promise to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In addition to the material’s self-healing features, structural ECM-n is also effective in converting electromagnetic radiation into heat. Focusing on the heating capabilities, this project investigates the photothermal heating performance of a wall assembly with the ECM-n. The proposed heating system design capitalizes on ECM-n's photothermal properties. It as well reduces the system's negative environmental impact by harnessing solar energy to heat the building. Experiments were conducted to determine ECM-n's thermal and optical properties. Based on the found data, a model was developed using COMSOL software to optimize the heating performance of a typical building enclosure using the ECM-n. The “Thermal Performance of Nanoparticle Reinforced Enzymatic Construction Materials” project has the potential to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and provide a means to meet global environmental goals and legislation.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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