Research trends in phase change materials (PCM) for high-performance sustainable construction

Abstract

In the face of escalating environmental perils driven by climate change and global warming, there is an urgent call for innovative and sustainable energy solutions, especially within the construction sector, which is a major consumer of energy and emitter of greenhouse gases. Among various energy-efficient interventions, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have emerged as a promising technology for passive thermal regulation in buildings. This review paper delves into recent advancements in integrating PCMs within building envelopes, which serve to store thermal energy, thus reducing temperature fluctuations and enhancing indoor comfort levels. The study also underscores the increasing global demand for energy storage systems in pursuit of a low-carbon economy and how PCMs can address this imperative. A special focus is given to applications of PCMs in diverse climatic zones, and the paper offers insights into the thermo-physical properties that make them amenable for building integration. Furthermore, the paper reveals that paraffin wax is the most extensively used PCM and discusses the relevance of selecting PCMs based on their melting points, which is pivotal for optimizing heat transfer efficiency. This study also highlights the need for extensive real-world, full-scale evaluations of PCMs, and the importance of scrutinizing their impact on the mechanical properties of building materials. The lifecycle and cost analyses of PCM integration, which are often overlooked, are identified as crucial areas for further research. Through a comprehensive review of global applications and experimental findings, this paper accentuates the potential of PCMs in revolutionizing building energy efficiency, cooling-heating systems, and integration in concrete, mortar, walls, and solar energy applications while also calling for continued research into performance enhancement and understanding potential drawbacks. This underscores the pivotal role of PCMs in steering the construction industry towards sustainability and energy conservation.