Integration Of Phase Change Materials Research Articles

Fabrication and building energy-saving performance evaluation of polyethylene glycol/polymethyl methacrylate/expanded graphite thermal enhanced shape-stable phase change material

Integrating Phase Change Material (PCM) with building envelope is a promising way to reduce building energy consumption. However, leakage and insufficient PCM loading rate for existing encapsulation strategies limit its further application. In this work, a safer and easier way to fabricate Shape-Stable Phase Change Material (SSPCM) is proposed, whose products combine the outstanding leakage-proof property and high PCM loading rate. With the method of in-situ polymerization, not only the Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is packaged by Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), but the Expanded Graphite (EG) also has a chance to be added as the property regulator. The prepared SSPCMs are proved to be shape-stable over melting temperature with a leakage rate under 1 %. The characterization test reveals that with EG mass fraction increase from 0 to 2.5 %, the thermal conductivity augments from 0.23 to 1.73 W/(m·K) while the phase change latent enthalpy changes from 85.11 kJ/kg to 116.10 kJ/kg. Notably, the EG is more than a thermal conductivity enhancer, it also plays an important role in the modification of comprehensive properties. To optimize the building energy-saving performance of SSPCMs, the factors affecting building cooling electricity consumption like deployment position and thermal properties are evaluated in detail. The simulation results show that the optimum strategy is employing SSPCM with 2.0 wt% EG in the middle of the envelope, the cooling electricity consumption can be reduced by 8.64 % compared with the benchmark. The physical mechanism of energy-saving is also discussed from multiple angles. From a statistical view, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of the simulation results is completed, to identify the influence of input parameters and validate the reliability of the simulation results. Finally, an economic analysis is carried out, proving the economic feasibility for further application. This research provides valuable insights for SSPCM’s application and design of energy-efficient buildings.

Thermal energy storage using phase change material for solar thermal technologies: A sustainable and efficient approach

Over-exploitation of fossil-based energy sources is majorly responsible for greenhouse gas emissions which causes global warming and climate change. To mitigate these challenges renewable energy sources, especially solar thermal technologies, can play a decisive role. United Nations also proposes steps to attenuate the adverse effects of fossil-based energy and climate change through Sustainable Development Goals (SDG7 and SDG8). Solar thermal technologies have seen a huge capacity expansion around the globe in previous decades because of their inherent advantages. However, solar energy faces crucial limitations of fluctuating intensity and time-dependent availability. This decreases solar thermal system performance and makes solar thermal technologies time-dependent. To overcome these challenges, integrating phase change material (PCM) in solar thermal technologies makes a sustainable approach to enhance the efficacy, productivity, and utilization rate of solar thermal technologies. In this manuscript, the sustainable approach of integrating PCM in solar thermal technologies was reviewed. This includes literature on PCMs which covers classification, properties, importance, and limitation. Comprehensive data on the integration of PCM with solar thermal technologies such as solar water heating, solar desalination, solar cooking, solar dryers, solar PV/T, solar ponds, solar chimneys, and solar power plants were reported explicitly in terms of the type of PCM, efficiency and their productivity. In addition, the effect of PCMs integration in solar thermal technologies was analyzed in terms of mitigation of CO2 emissions and economic analysis at different locations around the World.

Thermal management of counter terminal lithium-ion battery using Bio-based PCM

Research interest in applying Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for thermal management has been evident across various applications. In several studies, researchers have also suggested the use of PCMs for thermal management in lithium-ion batteries. The current study focuses on thermal management of lithium-ion batteries with terminal configurations positioned in a counter layout, comparing scenarios with and without the implementation of Bio-based PCM. Analysis has been conducted at various discharge rates (1C, 5C, and 10C) using the MSMD model in ANSYS Fluent software for transient analysis. Thermal performance has been numerically evaluated by analyzing temperature, voltage, and PCM’s liquid fraction. The results show that counter terminal lithium-ion batteries exhibit more uniform heat distribution compared to those with terminals in parallel configuration. At a 1C discharge rate, the maximum temperature peaks at 326.15 K, demonstrating a notable 6.23 % reduction with PCM integration. Similarly, at 5C and 10C discharge rates, the maximum temperatures peaks at 346.54 K and 372.99 K, respectively, witness reductions of 10.16 % and 12.44 % due to PCM utilization. Furthermore, the application of PCM facilitates a uniform drop in voltage during discharge, enhancing overall battery performance and longevity.

Novel hybrid BTMS by considering safety and driving cycle under extreme fast charge/discharge rates

A battery thermal management system integrating phase change material and mini-channels, with a focus on safety and economic considerations, is proposed to enhance thermal performance across various working conditions, safety scenarios, and realistic driving cycles while minimizing energy consumption. A battery thermal model and PCM simulation model were developed and validated using experimental data. Numerical analyses were conducted to compare the combination of PCM and liquid cooling (hybrid cooling) with fully liquid cooling under different charge/discharge rates and realistic driving cycles, evaluating their safety characteristics, power consumption, and thermal efficiency. The results demonstrated that the hybrid cooling approach can effectively maintain both the maximum temperature and the temperature difference within a desirable range, even when the inlet velocity is reduced from 0.12 to 0.05 m/s compared to liquid cooling. Additionally, the hybrid BTMS provides better working conditions for the battery pack, requiring only 4 × 10−5 W of pumping power compared to 16 × 10−5 W in the liquid cooling system. This underscores the capability of the designed BTMS to cool high-capacity battery packs with significantly lower fluid flow rates. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed cooling system was examined in the event of liquid channel failure, with results showing that the hybrid BTMS can successfully maintain the battery's maximum temperature within an allowable range during fast charge/discharge processes. Lastly, evaluations under realistic driving conditions revealed the superiority of hybrid cooling in reducing peak temperatures and minimizing battery temperature variation.

An Innovative Heating Solution for Sustainable Agriculture: A Feasibility Study on the Integration of Phase Change Materials as Passive Heating Elements

In this study, we investigate an innovative option for the ecological management of agricultural land. The focus is on the use of phase change materials (PCMs) for passive temperature regulation in greenhouses and fruit crop fields in order to reduce yield losses due to unforeseen late frost events. The use of PCMs represents a novel approach to enhancing crop growth and extending growing seasons without relying on conventional energy-intensive methods, providing a stable microclimate that can protect plants from cold stress. This passive regulation of temperature helps to reduce the need for fossil fuel-based heating systems, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. The application of PCMs in agricultural settings is particularly innovative as it leverages naturally occurring temperature variations to create a self-sustaining, low-maintenance solution that aligns with the principles of sustainable farming. This approach not only improves energy efficiency but also contributes to the resilience of agricultural practices in the face of climate variability. This study focuses on the possible use of PCMs in passive heating modules for the protection of potted plants in greenhouses. Various PCMs such as paraffin, beeswax, and shea butter were tested. Experiments were then conducted, using one kind of paraffin-based PCM, in a specially designed module. In addition, an FEM simulation model (CFD) was built and tested. The model was used to perform detailed analyses of the heat transfer efficiency, fluid dynamics, and overall performance of the modules. The model can also be used for optimization purposes (e.g., efficiency improvements).

Improving single-slope passive solar still efficiency through integration of phase change materials and Al2O3 nanoparticles

Improving single-slope passive solar still efficiency through integration of phase change materials and Al2O3 nanoparticles

Impacts of installation methods on the thermal performance of lightweight exterior cladding panels incorporating PCM: An experimental evaluation

Innovative cladding panels were developed by integrating phase change material into foamed concrete (PCMFC). The panels can be installed on walls via the wet method using cementitious/specialized adhesives or the dry method using special tools to mount the panels. The dry method creates an air cavity separating the panels from the wall, which can be of different sizes, either ventilated or unventilated. This study investigates the impacts of installation methods on the thermal performance of walls finished with PCMFC cladding panels. Experimental testing was conducted using three cells under actual weather conditions: a reference cell with cement render, a cell with PCMFC panels installed using the wet method, and a cell with PCMFC panels installed using different alternatives of the dry method. The results revealed improved performance for the dry method, showcasing reductions of about 7.10 °C in peak internal surface temperature (TSᵢ) with a 5 mm air cavity compared to the reference cell, while the reduction raised to about 8.70 °C by increasing the cavity size to 20 mm, and reached about 9.75 °C when permitting free ventilation inside the cavity. These reductions in peak TSᵢ were higher by about 1.14 °C, 1.79 °C, and 2.76 °C, respectively, compared to the wet method. Furthermore, overheating intensity decreased by 54 % with the ventilated 20 mm air cavity compared to the reference, i.e., 23 percentage points higher than the wet method. Thus, the dry installation method has proven to be highly effective in enhancing the thermal performance of PCMFC cladding panels.

Integrating interlayer ventilation into phase change walls: Comprehensive performance and optimization in summer

Integrating phase change materials (PCM) into building walls can improve the thermal performance of walls. However, phase change walls (PCW) in hot climates have poor thermal performance during nighttime due to the exothermic process of PCM. In this work, we proposed a novel PCW integrating with interlayer ventilation (IVPCW), which is innovative for all-day availability. Its comprehensive performance analyses and optimization were conducted. The results indicate that utilizing interlayer ventilation improved the comprehensive performance of the PCW. Moreover, the optimal phase change temperature range is [28 °C, 34 °C], the optimal phase change layer thickness is 30 mm, the optimal air delivery method is method 2, and the optimal air layer thickness is 50 mm. The average daily cooling load of IVPCW with the optimal parameter was 126.08 kJ/m2 during the cooling-season week, which was 43.7 % lower than the pre-optimization. Long-term performance analyses conclude that IVPCW can effectively reduce the cooling load, electrical cost, and CO2 emissions of air conditioning systems, which were 75.0 % lower compared with the ordinary wall (OW) and 59.1 % lower compared with PCW. In summary, IVPCW has a superior energy-saving and carbon-reducing performance to OW and PCW. This study established a theoretical foundation for the engineering implementation of IVPCW.

Solution-derived Ge–Sb–Se–Te phase-change chalcogenide films

Ge–Sb–Se–Te chalcogenides, namely Se-substituted Ge–Sb–Te, have been developed as an alternative optical phase change material (PCM) with a high figure-of-merit. A need for the integration of such new PCMs onto a variety of photonic platforms has necessitated the development of fabrication processes compatible with diverse material compositions as well as substrates of varying material types, shapes, and sizes. This study explores the application of chemical solution deposition as a method capable of creating conformally coated layers and delves into the resulting modifications in the structural and optical properties of Ge–Sb–Se–Te PCMs. Specifically, we detail the solution-based deposition of Ge–Sb–Se–Te layers and present a comparative analysis with those deposited via thermal evaporation. We also discuss our ongoing endeavor to improve available choice of processing-material combinations and how to realize solution-derived high figure-of-merit optical PCM layers, which will enable a new era for the development of reconfigurable photonic devices.

Lauric acid based form-stable phase change material for effective electronic thermal management and energy storage application

Poor thermal management in electronic systems can lead to higher junction temperatures, accelerating failure mechanisms and reducing component lifespan. Integrating efficient thermal management techniques, such as heat sinks, is essential for ensuring durability and efficiency of electronic equipment. Heat sinks have limited capacity, but integrating phase change materials (PCMs) enhances cooling performance by harnessing latent heat storage. However, leakage and low thermal conductivity limit PCM's effectiveness. The current study developed highly conductive leakage-proof PCMs based composites using an ultrasonic and vacuum impregnation method with lauric acid as base, hexagonal boron nitride and expanded graphite as additives. The results demonstrate persistence of chemical integrity, as proven by FTIR analysis, and complete encapsulation of PCMs inside the expanded graphite structures. The form-stable composite PCMs exhibit a 450% increase in thermal conductivity and 77% photo-transmittance decrease compared to base PCMs. Despite a trade-off of a 11.5% reduction in latent heat, the composite demonstrates thermal stability up to 220 °C. Further, excellent chemical and thermal reliability is maintained even after 500 cycles. Furthermore, in thermal management for heat sink, the form stable composite efficiently dispersed heat, resulting in a 16 °C decrease in peak temperature compared to the heat sink without the composite.

Investigation of double-PCM based PV composite wall for power-generation and building insulation: Thermal characteristics and energy consumption prediction

The integration of phase change material (PCM) with building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) presents a compelling approach to enhance solar energy utilization and mitigate indoor thermal loads, contributing to energy-efficient and low-carbon building development. Traditional BIPV-PCM structures, however, struggle to balance PV efficiency and thermal insulation, particularly with varying PCM wall positions. To address this situation, this study introduces a novel double-PCM BIPV composite envelope (BIPV-dPCM). An experimentally validated dynamic heat transfer model was developed and used to perform a comparative simulation analysis with three reference systems to quantify the energy-saving potential of the BIPV-dPCM, focusing on PV output and wall insulation effectiveness metrics. Further dimensionless parametric analysis were carried out to investigate the systematic performance of the two PCMs at different relativities. In addition, the coupled working mechanism of the BIPV-dPCM system concerning the power generation performance and thermal insulation performance under transient variations is explored. It was found that the BIPV-dPCM showcases superior thermoelectric coupling performance compared to three alternative enclosures. Incorporating two PCMs significantly enhances electrical exergy efficiency by 11.66 % and thermal exergy efficiency by 1.54 %, surpassing other reference systems. The increase in PCM latent heat ratio has a limited effect on performance gain. Notably, as the PCM thickness ratio exceeds 1, the decline in P value decelerates, for every 0.5 increment in the g, the P value diminishes by merely 0.2 %. The ideal h is identified between 1 and 1.5, with 1.5 being optimal for energy conservation objectives. Additionally, the self-sufficiency coefficient (SSC) of the BIPV-dPCM remains robust, sustaining a range of 55 % to 65 % over prolonged periods. This study offers novel perspectives and serves as a design reference for optimizing building energy systems and enhancing cooling efficiencies in subtropical climates.

Enhanced thermal management strategy for supercapacitors using phase change materials: A numerical investigation

The integration of phase change materials (PCMs) presents a promising possibility for enhancing the thermal management of supercapacitors (SCs), which are vital components in various energy storage systems. This research focuses on investigating the thermal behavior of SCs with integrated PCM, employing finite element method (FEM) simulations to solve the transient thermal problem. Through a comparative analysis at various time instants, the transient thermal response of SCs is examined, shedding light on the efficacy of PCM-based thermal management strategies. Moreover, parametric studies are conducted to investigate the influence of PCM key characteristics, like melting temperature and layer thickness on the SC thermal response. Additionally, the impact of enhanced PCM thermal conductivity is explored by integrating high-conductive short carbon fibers (CF) within the PCM matrix. This investigation encompasses various PCM melting points, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between PCM properties and SC thermal response. The results indicate that a notable decline in the highest temperatures of the SC can be achieved, leading to a reduction of about 9 °C depending on the PCM melting temperature and the improved thermal conductivity. The obtained results emphasize the effectiveness and practical feasibility of the proposed thermal management strategy. The modeling approach presented provides a robust tool with significant efficiency in reducing computational time for analyzing the thermal behavior of large models, as the utilization of the homogenization technique notably decreases the computational time. The findings of this study not only provide insights into optimizing PCM-based thermal management strategies for SCs but also contribute to advancing the design and performance of energy storage systems by addressing crucial thermal challenges.

Enhancing Air Conditioning System Performance via Dual Phase Change Materials Integration: Seasonal Efficiency and Capsulation Structure Impact

Enhancement of the cooling and heating capabilities of an air conditioning unit (ACU) coupled with a thermal energy storage system of dual phase change materials (PCM) is investigated. The dual PCM, namely SP24E and SP11_gel, are coupled with the ACU outdoor device (condenser/evaporator) during the summer/winter seasons, respectively. Moreover, ACU performance assisted with dual-PCM heat exchanger is compared with a single heat exchanger of SP24E in summer and single heat exchanger of SP11_gel in winter at different PCM capsulation structures (aligned and staggered cylinders). The system dynamic mathematical model is computationally solved using ANSYS software and experimentally validated. Results affirm that charging/discharging periods are minimal for the dual-PCM system and slower for PCM inline cylinder layouts than staggered ones. Inline design yields greater ACU average power savings. In summer, higher inlet air temperature to the PCM system reduces PCM discharging time and ACU power savings, with the opposite effect during winter. ACU COP with PCMs is improved by around 80 % in summer and 40 % in winter, respectively, compared to ACU without PCMs. The maximum average power saving over 4 h of ACU working in summer by single and dual-PCM systems is 21.4 % and 11.8 %, respectively, whereas the results in winter are 18.5 % and 12.8 %, respectively.

Analysis of Freeze-Thaw Damage of Cement Mortars Doped with Polyethylene Glycol-Based Form Stable Phase Change Materials.

The development of construction materials with the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) has been a topic of wide interest in the scientific community, especially in recent years, due to its positive impact on temperature regulation inside buildings. However, little is known about the behavior of materials doped with PCMs when exposed to accidental or severe environments. Currently, a large area of the planet experiences seasonal freeze-thaw effects, which impact the durability and performance of construction materials. Accordingly, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the damage caused by cyclic freeze-thaw actions on the behavior of a cement mortar, including a PEG-based form-stable PCM. An experimental methodology was developed based on the physical and mechanical characterization of mortars under normal operating conditions and after being subjected to freeze-thaw cycles. The results indicated that, under normal exposure conditions, the incorporation of aggregate functionalized with PCM led to a decrease in the mortar's water absorption capacity, compressive strength, and adhesion. However, its applicability has not been compromised. Exposure to freeze-thaw cycles caused a loss of mass in the specimens and a decrease in the compressive strength and adhesion capability of the mortar.

Post-processing of phase change material in a zero-change commercial silicon photonic process.

Integration of phase change material (PCM) with photonic integrated circuits can transform large-scale photonic systems by providing non-volatile control over phase and amplitude. The next generation of commercial silicon photonic processes can benefit from the addition of PCM to enable ultra-low power, highly reconfigurable, and compact photonic integrated circuits for large-scale applications. Despite all the advantages of PCM-based photonics, today's commercial foundries do not provide them in their silicon photonic processes yet. We demonstrate the first-ever electrically programmable PCM device that is monolithically post-processed in a commercial foundry silicon photonics process using a few fabrication steps and coarse-resolution photolithography. These devices achieved 1.4 dB/μm of amplitude switching contrast using a thin layer of 12.5 nm GeSbTe in this work. We have also characterized the reconfiguration speed as well as repeatability of these devices over 20,000 switching cycles. Our solution enables non-volatile photonic VLSI systems that can be fabricated at low cost and high reliability in a commercial foundry process, paving the way for the development of non-volatile programmable photonic integrated circuits for a variety of emerging applications.

Thermal modeling of porous medium integrated in PCM and its application in passive thermal management of electric vehicle battery pack

The integration of a composite of porous medium with phase change material (PCM) offers significant advantages in thermal management systems, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and addressing various thermal regulation challenges. This approach utilizes the PCM's latent heat absorption and the enhanced thermal conductivity provided by the porous medium, resulting in optimized system performance. Its applicability spans across electronics cooling and building insulation systems. However, predicting the thermal behavior of this composite material is challenging, necessitating computational tools to anticipate its response under different conditions and evaluate its influence on cooling strategies. The objective of this study is to create a computational tool specifically tailored to evaluate constitutive parameters of this composite material, thereby providing a comprehensive description of its thermal behavior. To achieve this goal, the multiscale homogenization principle is employed to assess the composite's effective thermophysical material properties using the representative volume element approach. The repeating unit cell of the aluminum lattice is incorporated into the PCM to define a representative volume element. The finite element method (FEM) is utilized to solve the three-dimensional homogenization problem, yielding an orthotropic effective thermal conductivity due to the inherent symmetry of the repeating material cell. Moreover, the study leverages the apparent heat capacity method to effectively manage the phase transitions within the PCM domain, utilizing smooth and temperature-dependent functions to accurately describe the thermophysical properties of the PCM. Integrating the composite into battery pack thermal management, this study thoroughly examines thermal dynamics by comparing outcomes with and without PCM integration. The transient thermal problem is accurately tackled using the FEM, employing the evaluated effective constitutive parameters of the homogenized composite to minimize computational effort. The results indicate a notable decline in the highest temperatures of the battery pack, leading to a reduction of about 14 °C at the specific moment when the phase change material fully transitions into its liquid form. The obtained results emphasize the effectiveness and practical feasibility of the proposed thermal management strategy. The modeling approach presented provides a robust tool with significant efficiency in reducing computational time for analyzing the thermal behavior of large models, as the utilization of the homogenization technique notably decreases the computational time.

Integration of Phase-Change Materials in Ventilated Façades: A Review Regarding Fire Safety and Future Challenges

The increasing concerns about CO2 emissions and climate change have pointed out the urgency of promoting sustainability in the building sector. One promising solution to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings and diminish environmental impact is the integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) into ventilated façade systems. This review article critically examines the current state of research on this innovative approach, with a particular focus on fire safety considerations. The paper explores the integration of PCM into ventilated façades, highlighting the potential for significant improvements in energy consumption, thermal comfort, and reductions in CO2 emissions. However, the flammability of PCMs introduces substantial fire safety challenges that must be addressed to ensure the safe application of this solution. The fire safety of both ventilated façades and PCMs is approached, followed by specific fire safety concerns when PCMs are integrated into ventilated façade systems. The conclusion states that while the integration of PCMs into ventilated façades offers substantial environmental benefits, attention to fire safety is essential. This necessitates the implementation of rigorous fire protection measures during the design and construction phases. By addressing both the environmental advantages and fire safety challenges, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of PCM-integrated ventilated façades, offering valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and policymakers in the field of sustainable buildings.

Study on phase change materials integration in concrete: Form-stable PCM and direct addition

As the economy continues to develop, building energy consumption rises, necessitating sustainable solutions. Concrete, a pivotal building material, assumes a vital role in this context. To address the challenge of escalating energy consumption and environmental impact, this study studied the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) into concrete by two methods. Recycled aggregates serve as form-stable mediums for PCM absorption, while direct addition methods incorporate 7.5 % and 15 % free liquid PCM by volume of river sand. Six concrete mixtures underwent comprehensive evaluation encompassing workability, density, water absorption by immersion, compressive strength, flexural strength, chloride ion penetration, freeze-thaw cycling tests, and carbonation. The results reveal a decrease in concrete density and mechanical properties with increasing PCM content. Nevertheless, notable enhancements in chloride ion penetration resistance, reaching up to 18.5 % with free PCM incorporation, and zero carbonation depth were observed. These results underscore the potential of PCM-concrete composites in harmonizing energy efficiency and structural integrity, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based air conditioning systems and with great potential from the point of view of the durability of the structures.

Thermal regulation enhancement in multi-story office buildings: Integrating phase change materials into inter-floor void formers

Addressing the thermal loss from building envelopes is a crucial challenge and requires the exploration of various mitigation strategies. This study employs comprehensive 3D computational fluid dynamics simulations to investigate the incorporation of various bio-based Phase Change Materials (PCMs) including CrodaTherm (CT) 19, CT21, and CT24W, within inter-floor void formers between the roof-floor boundary in multi-story office buildings to optimize energy management during inactive periods in one of the adjacent units. Aside from the PCM type, the void former shape, its placement, and the combinations of PCMs and insulating layers are examined through heat flux and solid fraction plots as well as liquid fraction contours. Results highlight the exceptional performance of CT24W-integrated void formers, achieving a remarkable 36.74 % reduction in the 48-h average heat flux in comparison with the case without void formers, and offering lower heat flux values than the scenario with insulating layers for 89.38 h (endurance time). Based on the findings, with identical PCM volumes, the semi-ellipsoid PCM-integrated void former provides 11.07 % lower heat flux and 27.56 % longer endurance time compared to the one with a spherical shape. The results underscore PCM integration as a superior strategy over standalone insulation for managing thermal loss between apartment floors.

Enhancing thermal comfort in buildings through the integration of phase change material on the building envelope: a simulation study

Abstract According to the report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), active space cooling and air conditioning systems consume approximately 16% of the building sector’s final electricity consumption and contribute 3.94% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, the use of low-cost but effective passive solutions, such as organic phase change materials (PCM) on the building envelope, can provide high thermal mass and thus can lower the temperature fluctuation inside the building. In the current study, the potential of PCM-enhanced building envelopes to enhance thermal comfort has been studied. The study has been performed using the conduction finite difference (ConFD) algorithm in EnergyPlus software. A comparative study has been done for a traditional reinforced cement concrete (RCC) reference test room of size (5m x 6m x 3m) and another room of the same size with PCM-enhanced walls for the hot and humid climate zone of Guwahati (latitude 26.1, longitude 91.7), in India. A PCM thickness of 20 mm is used at the external surface of the wall between the red clay burnt brick (120 mm in thickness) and the cement plaster (25mm thick). The PCM used for the study is a biocomposite PCM, named WH-PCM, with a melting point of 31.5°C and thermal conductivity of 0.27 W/mK. The simulation results reveal that the R-value of the external wall of the room with PCM walls has been increased by 84.90% compared to the reference room with the incorporation of WH-PCM, resulting in a mean zone temperature difference of 0.3°C throughout the year. Also, the indoor thermal discomfort hours have been annually reduced by 15.82% with the use of WH-PCM when compared with the reference room. A similar temperature difference trend, which is 1.93°C, is also observed in the single PCM brick experimental result under identical testing conditions as a regular brick of the same size.