Enhancing Building Thermal Performance: A Review of Phase Change Material Integration

Khaled Alassaad, James Minto and Pieter de Wilde ()
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Khaled Alassaad: Department of Architecture, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
James Minto: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
Pieter de Wilde: Department of Architecture, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-43

Abstract: Buildings are responsible for over one-third of global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, with heating and cooling being major contributors. Phase change materials (PCMs) offer a promising passive solution to improve thermal regulation and reduce heating and cooling loads. This review analyses different experimental and simulation-based studies on the integration of PCMs into building structures for enhancing building energy performance. The key variables examined include melting temperature, latent heat capacity, thermal conductivity (λ), PCM positioning (interior, exterior, or embedded), thickness, and climate zone. The results show that PCMs reduce heat transfer by up to 47.6%, stabilize indoor temperatures with up to a 46% reduction in fluctuations, and decrease heating and cooling demands by as much as 31%, depending on component placement and climate. The optimal melting range for moderate climates lies between 22 °C and 28 °C. This review identifies critical trade-offs between PCM quantity, placement, and climatic suitability and provides a matrix of design recommendations for various building types.

Keywords: Phase Change Materials (PCMs); latent heat; thermal conductivity; thermal performance; energy efficiency; sustainable construction; temperature regulation; HVAC systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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