Review on performance assessment of phase change materials in buildings for thermal management through passive approach

Abstract

Abstract Latent heat energy storage (LHES) systems using phase change materials (PCMs) are well known for its excellent thermal energy storage and release during melting and solidifications respectively. PCMs can be efficiently deployed in applications where significant temperature difference exists in the system for intermittent thermal energy storage. Several research contributions has been made on integrating PCMs in buildings for thermal management, as it enhances building thermal inertia, reduces maximum heat flux, shifts peak energy demand, reduces temperature fluctuations of air, etc., owing to its isothermal behavior and high energy storage density during phase change. Results of several research articles reveal that incorporation of PCM in buildings could significantly improve indoor comfort conditions and reduce energy demand of Heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, provided appropriate PCM selection, encapsulation methods, location deployed etc. This review paper is devoted to elucidate various facts attributing PCM integration in buildings for thermal management through passive approach. The facts includes performance of PCMs in buildings in terms of heat gain reduction, temperature attenuation, peak energy demand shifting and energy saving potential, encapsulation deployed, are discussed and presented in order to expedite the interpretation for future researchers, who took their research work in the field of building thermal energy management.