Measurement results of indoor environment and energy-saving experimental residences constructed with PCM plaster in Hokkaido (Japan).

In terms of energy-saving and indoor environment improvement, it is effective to equip a room with high thermal insulation and storage. We developed a phase change material (PCM) plaster composed of microcapsule PCM and gypsum plaster. Wet-type plaster interior material consisted of Japanese traditional finishing material, and the PCM plaster provided thermal storage. We report on the measurement results of experimental residences constructed with the developed PCM plaster in Hokkaido, Japan (cold climate). Firstly, we demonstrate the results of a basic thermal performance test of the PCM plaster. Subsequently, we report on indoor environment and energy-saving at the experimental residences. The indoor environment of the real housing, which was airtight with high insulation, showed comfortable temperature and humidity ranges, and the energy was approximately halved compared with the total amount of heat loss.