Phase change materials for building applications: A state-of-the-art review

Phase change materials (PCMs) are regarded as a possible solution for reducing the energy consumption of buildings. By storing and releasing heat within a certain temperature range, it raises the building inertia and stabilizes indoor climate. Within this work, a state-of-the-art review is given on the knowledge of PCMs today for building applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.