Work

Numerical Analysis of Phase-Change Material Integration in Building Envelopes: A Case Study in Lebanon

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The building sector is a major global energy consumer, particularly in Lebanon, where heating and air conditioning demand remains high. Integrating Phase Change Material (PCM) into building envelopes presents a promising solution for latent heat storage and enhanced energy efficiency. This study investigates the optimal wall configurations for improved thermal performance using PCM in two Lebanese regions: Beirut and Bekaa. Using ANSYS Fluent, various wall configurations were analyzed to determine the most effective placement of PCM. The optimal configurations were then evaluated in DesignBuilder to estimate energy savings. Results indicate that in Bekaa, external PCM and insulation provide the best performance due to strong dependence on external conditions, whereas in Beirut, internal PCM and insulation are more effective. PCM implementation in both regions significantly reduces energy consumption, with Bekaa proving more advantageous as it does not require additional cooling mechanisms. This research underscores the potential of PCM as a viable strategy for enhancing energy efficiency in building envelopes, with relevance to the climatic conditions of Beirut and Bekaa.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15081369

Authors: Nadine Yehya, Chantal Maatouk, Hussein Charaf

Institution: Saint Joseph University

Language: English

Topic: Phase Change Materials Research

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137