Application simulation research on biomass carbon-based composite phase change materials

Abstract Traditional buildings often suffer from significant energy loss due to inadequate thermal insulation. Phase change materials (PCMs), with their ability to store and release heat, offer promising solutions for building energy conservation. This study investigates biomass carbon-based composite PCMs (CC/BCP) for their potential in thermal regulation. Corn cobs were carbonized to produce porous biomass carbon (CC), which was then impregnated with modified Na 2 SO 4 ·10H 2 O to form CC/BCP. A micro-room model was constructed, and four comparative tests were conducted using air, polyurethane foam, CC, and CC/BCP as insulation fillings to evaluate their effect on indoor temperature. A simulation model was also established to assess the thermal insulation behavior of each material. Results show that CC/BCP exhibits a phase change temperature of 29.73 °C and a latent heat of 63.31 J/g, with excellent thermal storage and release performance. Experimental and simulation results demonstrate that CC/BCP can significantly slow down temperature fluctuations and ensure a more uniform internal temperature distribution. These findings highlight the potential of biomass-derived composite PCMs in enhancing indoor thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption in buildings. This work provides a novel approach for the development of sustainable, low-carbon building materials. Graphical Abstract