This technology is a ceramic tile module consisting of a pair of interlocking tiles. The ceramic tiles, intended for bathroom floors or walls, are impregnated with tetradecane-based phase change material (PCM) to form a primary coating, which is then sequentially encapsulated with a sol-gel coating, an elastic layer, and a flexible metal heat conductor.
Bathrooms, especially those in colder climates or outdoor settings, often experience significant temperature drops, leading to recurring issues with frozen and burst water pipes, leaks, and water supply interruptions. While existing ceramic-coated metal tiles offer good texture and durability, they lack effective heat dissipation and storage. Similarly, multi-layered adhesive panels improve insulation and soundproofing but fall short in energy-saving performance through heat storage.
This technology cools PCM-impregnated tiles to below -15°C to stabilize them, uses a silica sol-gel coating to prevent PCM leakage, and encapsulates the entire tile with an elastic layer and metal heat conductor to enhance thermal conductivity and durability. An elastic buffer on one side absorbs impact, while an insertion member on the protruding body fits into the groove of an adjacent tile, secured by friction and elastic coupling members. Suitable for residential bathrooms, outdoor restrooms in parks or rest areas, and wet areas in zero-energy buildings, these tiles store heat from daily use and release it during the coldest early morning hours, preventing pipe freezing without additional heating.
This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for the development of micro-phase change material manufacturing technology and heat-generating concrete for heating energy savings.
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