Phase Changing Materials

Phase Changing Materials

Ujjwal Mali*, Umesh Shingane*, Vivek Sarkate*, Sangram Davhale*

*Department of Civil Engineering, UG Student, G H Raisoni College of Engineering & Management, Pune, 412207.

Abstract

Building envelope is a key element in providing adequate energy and thermal comfort performance to buildings. The main techniques adopted in this context are discussed to identify modern and effective methods with a particular focus on phase change materials (PCMs). Incorporating PCMs with building construction materials is a booming technology, owing to their enhancement potential of storing and releasing heat during phase transition. This work highlights the importance of PCMs in building envelope, focusing on roof and external wall applications. PCM types, general and desired properties and application area are presented and discussed. Incorporation techniques and methods, main numerical tools, and modelling equations are used to describe the thermal behaviour of PCM. A comprehensive assessment on the basis of recent studies has been conducted to point out the potential of PCM with the most appropriate techniques under different locations. The main findings of PCM thermal performance have been described, considering the cooling/heating load reduction, energy-saving and thermal comfort gained.

Keywords: PCMs, PCM-integrated buildings, Building envelope, Thermal comfort, Energy saving, Heating/cooling load reduction.