Phase change materials in buildings: A comprehensive review of applications, climate strategies, and 3E performance
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The building sector accounts for over 30 % of global energy consumption, with space heating and cooling responsible for a substantial portion of this demand. To address this challenge, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have emerged as a promising passive thermal energy storage solution due to their ability to absorb and release latent heat near ambient temperatures. This review critically examines over 200 recent studies on PCM integration in building elements—walls, floors, ceilings, and windows—and evaluates their impact on energy savings, thermal comfort, and sustainability. Case studies show that PCM-enhanced envelopes can reduce peak indoor temperatures by up to 5.8 °C and cut HVAC energy consumption by 15–42 % depending on climate and PCM configuration. The paper also classifies PCMs by type, explores enhancement techniques such as nanoparticle doping and encapsulation, and identifies optimal deployment strategies for different climates. While PCMs offer significant environmental and economic advantages, challenges such as low thermal conductivity and phase segregation remain. Future research opportunities lie in material innovation, climate-specific PCM mapping, and integration with renewable systems. This comprehensive review provides actionable insights to guide the development of energy-efficient and climate-adaptive building designs.
Source: Journal of Energy Storage
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,560
OpenAlex ID: W4412686172