A conceptual framework for phase change material integration in building components

With the recent dramatic growth of the building sector's energy consumption to provide thermal comfort to consumers, the constraints of climate change and the scarcity of energy supplies have necessitated a wiser and more effective reduction in the amount consumed. As a result, phase change materials (PCMs) have attracted much interest as latent heat thermal storage systems in recent decades. This paper aims to explain the possibility of using PCMs in buildings by establishing an overall conceptual framework for the processes of selecting and integrating PCMs in building sector applications. Moreover, it leads to a comprehensive matrix that identifies the best and most common type of material for each building's component, as well as its temperature and thickness properties, its thermal impact, and the most popular integration techniques. The findings show paraffin as the major used type in all building components, while salt hydrate is employed in facades. The most prevalent incorporating technique is macro-encapsulation, which prevails in most building components with its direct effect on cooling and heating applications.

Automated summary

With the growing energy consumption in the building sector, climate change and energy scarcity have made it necessary to reduce energy consumption more wisely and effectively. Phase change materials (PCMs) have gained interest as latent heat thermal storage systems, and this paper establishes a conceptual framework for selecting and integrating PCMs in building applications. The paper also provides a comprehensive matrix identifying the best materials, temperature properties, thermal impact, and integration techniques for each building component. Paraffin is the major type used in all building components, while salt hydrate is employed in facades. The most common integration technique is macro-encapsulation with direct effects on cooling and heating applications.