Preparation of the small concrete hollow block with PCM and its efficacy in greenhouses

Phase-change heat storage is a hot area in building and energy researches, and it is very important to apply this technique to greenhouses. This paper analyzes the characteristics of phase-change materials for greenhouses and the preparation of the small concrete hollow block with PCM and its efficacy in greenhouses, and points out the way to use phase-change heat storage techniques in greenhouses. By researching their thermal properties by Differential Scanning Celemeter (DSC), for the new compound PCM composed of Na2SO4·10H2O and Na2 CO3·10H2O, the sample in t he mass proportion of 4︰6 is suitable for greenhouse. The phase transformation temperature which divided into two stages meets the need of plant growth. During the application process, the phenomena of super cooling and phase segregation can’t be eliminated completely. For the new compound PCM composed of Na2SO4·10H2O and Na2HPO4·12H2O, the sample in the mass proportion of 1.9︰7 is suitable for greenhouse. The phase transformation temperature remain stable, the phenomena of super cooling and phase segregation meet the requirements. This paper serves as a valuable reference for researchers with regard to developing new ideas and methods in applying phase-change material in greenhouses.