Article Summary #10

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/24476/
"Melting" Drywall Keeps Rooms Cool
Developers think these phase-change materials could reduce the need for air-conditioning.
By Katherine Bourzac
Soon to be on the market in the US, these new building materials have the ability to absorb heat during the day and release it at night, reducing and possibly eliminating the need for Air Conditioning. A North Carolina company called National Gypsum is currently testing these new building materials in the form of sheets that can be used as drywall in buildings. The idea behind this technology can be compared to an ice cube cooling a drink; the ice cube absorbs the heat from the drink therefore cooling the drink. This new technology is part of an international push to be greener and consume less energy. In Northern Europe, applications similar to this are in use today and are using 20% less electricity than typical applications. Many companies have versions of this technology, including Americas own DuPont. They produce panels of the new material, and mostly sell it to European countries. Another company that produces materials like this is BASF, which produces ceiling panels, aerated concrete blocks and drywall. According National Gypsum, including this new material in a typical home will cost an average of around $5,000, which apparently can be recouped in around 5 years. National Gypsum is providing very thorough testing of this new product before it is released full speed ahead in the states. These tests will take 12 months; a full year to test because they want to see how this technology holds throughout all four seasons. Once testing has been completed, energy cost savings, and other field data will be released therefore informing the general public of its effectiveness. Once these results are out, companies will most likely begin marketing this technology and introducing into future construction projects.