Spectrally selective nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials: A study on data-driven optical/thermal properties and application of energy-saving glazing under different climatic conditions.

The optical and thermal performances of energy-saving glazing require improvement to reduce peak thermal load and increase solar energy conversion and management efficiency. Herein, it is indispensable to develop novel composite materials that designate the ability to achieve multifunction by thermal load migration as well as radiation transmittance modulation. This study developed a nanoparticle-enhanced phase change material (NEPCM) with spectrally selective and phase change functions. A data-driven algorithm is first developed to evaluate the solar-weighted absorption fraction, integrated irradiance, and spectral irradiance for the considered nanoparticles. The base fluids, nanoparticle diameter, concentrations, and proportions are taken into account in the program, and adjustments to the properties of NEPCM can be easily made. The NEPCM properties exhibit a high blocking performance of near-infrared solar radiation by 30.9%, while keeping visible transmittance at 51.8% using ATO-Al 2 O 3 NEPCM. Furthermore, the photothermal conversion performance of a NEPCM-filled energy-saving prototype window is explored, which yields a heat absorption rate of up to 0.27 °C/min when the solar irradiance is 800 W/m2. In addition, the energy consumption of transparent envelopes with NEPCM filler in a full-scale building is investigated. The results show that NEPCM regulated glazing potentially provides annual heating energy-saving from 5.1 to 41.7 kWh·m−2·year−1 in three representative climatic conditions in different global locations. Outcomes on the spectrally selective capabilities of the energy-saving window provide ideas for advancing the development of low-carbon transparent building envelopes. • A data-driven algorithm is developed to determine optimal parameters of NEPCM. • An algorithm presented to predict thermal conductivity of the phase change material. • Effect of NEPCM for a scale building in three different climate was investigated. • NPRGs reduce the solar transmission through windows by 2229–2580 W per year. • Using NEPCM provide annual heating energy savings of 5.1–41.7 kW h·m−2·yr−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]