On-Going into Green Buildings: Hybridized Bimetallic Iron Ferrite Scheme for Superior Performance in a Pilot-Scale Solar Energy Storage System

Abstract

Bimetallic iron ferrite (BIF) contest functions are key for those seeking sustainable and green application. Bimetallic ferrites based on zinc and aluminum oxides prepared via a coprecipitation route are embedded in organic phase change material (PCM) via ultrasonic dispersion. The produced particles as well as the composite PCM are morphologically and chemically characterized through X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Also, the thermal energy storage (TES) properties of the produced composite are evaluated via thermogravimetric (TG)/differential thermal analysis (DTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Different mass fractions of bimetallic iron ferrites (BIFs) are included into hydrocarbon wax (HC-Wax) to produce various PCM systems and compared to the pristine HC PCM system. A double pipe as a vertical heat exchanger is supported to a flat plate solar collector that serves the role of a thermal energy storage system based on solar energy capture and using a heat transfer fluid (water). The chemical/thermal tests reveal the cycling chemical/thermal reliability and thermal stability of the prepared materials through indoor and outdoor tests. Solar radiation measurements are conducted to evaluate the potential for solar energy storage at the study site. The maximum solar intensity reaches approximately 1179 W·m^-2 at solar noon during the summer period. Experimental results demonstrate that the heat transfer performance of the PCM system improved notably when 0.3 wt % BIF nanoparticles were incorporated into the hydrocarbon wax. At this optimal concentration, the heat gain increased from 6 kJ·min^-1 (pristine PCM) to 140 kJ·min^-1, corresponding to an approximately 84% enhancement in the system efficiency. These improvements indicate the potential of BIF-modified PCMs to promote energy saving in sustainable building applications.