During the peak solar load of the day, the phase change material embedded within the welded steel EcoCore panel is designed to melt and absorb energy — energy that would otherwise be reflected back into the room as heat or transferred to the airstream. The stored energy can be held within the phase change panel until cold air during the off hours at night allows the phase change material to resolidify and release the absorbed heat back into the space. Storing energy in this way produces a more stable and comfortable environment during the day while decreasing demands on HVAC systems and reducing energy costs, the company said. The micro-encapsulated phase change materials within the panels are engineered to change from solid to liquid at 75.2°F. When this occurs, each panel can absorb more than 175 Btu. According to the manufacturer, in a 10,000-square-foot facility utilizing 2,250 EcoCore panels, as much as 1.5 hours of peak solar loading can be shifted to off-peak hours.
Tate Access Floors Inc.
410-799-4200
www.tateinc.com
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