inventory · candidates · updated 2026-07-02
Measured DIY PCM twin-wall panel build (experiment in progress)
question active p2
Active build experiment: a CMC-gelled Glauber's-salt PCM panel in twin-wall polycarbonate off-cuts (build path 1). Purpose is to fill the literature gap — no documented, MEASURED amateur translucent-PCM window build exists. Protocol + blank log live in output/; results to be measured with maker-grade instruments and promoted back into the DIY-encapsulation reference.
Next action: Build the CMC-gelled Glauber's-salt panel in twin-wall PC off-cuts per the protocol, populate the measurement log (diurnal + weekly), then promote results into references/diy-pcm-encapsulation as a 'Measured build' section.
experimentdiyphase-change-materialsalt-hydratetwin-wall-polycarbonatemeasured-buildgap-fill
Why Track This
The DIY PCM encapsulation reference and the translucent-PCM glazing topic both flagged the same gap: the literature has lab prototypes (Goia) and concept-stage maker threads, but no fully documented, measured amateur translucent-PCM window build. We have twin-wall polycarbonate off-cuts on hand — the flutes are ready-made PCM cells — so this build can fill that gap with real data.
Current State
- Protocol + blank measurement log:
output/experiment-diy-pcm-twinwall-panel-2026-07-02.md - PCM: CMC-gelled Glauber’s salt (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O), ~11 wt% CMC, borax nucleator — melt ~32 °C.
- Container: twin-wall PC off-cuts, flutes filled ~80%, non-metal end seals.
- Status: protocol written; no measurements taken yet (log cells intentionally empty).
Next Action
Build per the protocol, log a diurnal cycle (2–3 clear days) + weekly mass/clarity,
then write a “Measured build” section into references/diy-pcm-encapsulation.md
and raise its confidence from medium toward high.
Notes
Do not populate the log with modeled or assumed values — the whole point is a real measured build. If a simulation is wanted for comparison, keep it in a separate clearly-labeled output, not in this experiment’s log.