Composite Construction Panels And Applications Thereof

Abstract

In one aspect, composite construction materials are described herein. In some embodiments, a composite construction panel comprises a substrate layer, a cover layer separated from the substrate layer by one or more spacers, and at least one mat disposed between the substrate layer and the cover layer, wherein the mat comprises at least one phase change material disposed in at least one phase change region.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composite construction panel comprising:
 a substrate layer;   a cover layer over the substrate layer and separated from the substrate layer by one or more first spacers; and   a plurality of mats disposed between the substrate layer and the cover layer, wherein the mats are vertically separated from one another in a stacked configuration by one or more second spacers and comprise at least one phase change material disposed in at least one phase change region.   
     
     
         2 . The panel of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of mats comprises a first mat comprising a first phase change material disposed in a first phase change region and a second mat comprising a second phase change material disposed in a second phase change region, wherein the first and second phase change materials are differing phase change materials and the first mat is vertically separated above the second mat. 
     
     
         3 . The panel of  claim 2 , wherein the first phase change material has a transition temperature above about 30° C. and the second phase change material has a transition temperature below about 30° C. 
     
     
         4 . A composite construction panel comprising:
 a substrate layer;   a cover layer over the substrate layer and separated from the substrate layer by one or more spacers; and   at least one mat disposed between the substrate layer and the cover layer,   
       wherein the mat comprises a plurality of phase change regions arranged in a plurality of rows, 
       wherein a first row comprises a first phase change material and a second row comprises a second phase change material, the first and second phase change materials being differing phase change materials. 
     
     
         5 . The panel of  claim 4 , wherein the first and second phase change materials have differing phase transition temperatures. 
     
     
         6 . The panel of  claim 5 , wherein the first phase change material has a transition temperature above about 30° C. and the second phase change material has a transition temperature below about 30° C. 
     
     
         7 . The panel of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the substrate layer and the cover layer is formed from a foam. 
     
     
         8 . The panel of  claim 7 , wherein the foam comprises polyurethane or polyisocyanurate. 
     
     
         9 . The panel of  claim 7 , wherein a fire retardant or extinguisher is disposed in the foam. 
     
     
         10 . The panel of  claim 7 , wherein a phase change material is disposed in the foam. 
     
     
         11 . The panel of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the substrate layer and the cover layer is formed from wood, plywood, particle board, or oriented strand board. 
     
     
         12 . The panel of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the substrate layer and the cover layer is formed from gypsum board. 
     
     
         13 . The panel of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the substrate layer and the cover layer is formed from metal. 
     
     
         14 . The panel of  claim 1 , wherein at least one spacer is hollow. 
     
     
         15 . The panel of  claim 14 , wherein a fire retardant or extinguisher is disposed in the interior of the hollow spacer. 
     
     
         16 . The panel of  claim 14 , wherein a phase change material is disposed in the interior of the hollow spacer. 
     
     
         17 . The panel of  claim 16 , wherein the phase change material comprises one or more salt hydrates. 
     
     
         18 . The panel of  claim 1 , wherein the spacers at least partially define vent spaces, cross vent channels, or both. 
     
     
         19 . The panel of  claim 18 , wherein the vent spaces and cross vent channels are sealed. 
     
     
         20 . The panel of  claim 18 , wherein the panel is coupled to one or more fans operable to ventilate or provide air flow in the vent spaces, cross vent channels, or both.