Enhancing the Energy Efficiency of Building's Envelope by the Application of PCM Materials

The building sector, considered energy-intensive, is one of the biggest consumers of energy. The building envelope is therefore a key element in ensuring thermal comfort and improving thermal performance. In this regard, improvement solutions and concrete measures in favor of energy sobriety become a necessity. Many methods and mechanisms have been implemented in recent studies for better energy efficiency, and the energy storage is considered one of the most relevant ways to achieve these proposes. PCMs can provide key solutions to energy shortages, carbon emissions, and climate adaptation. The integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) into the building envelope is considered a relevant solution for improving the thermal comfort and thermal performance of buildings, due to their ability to improve the thermal inertia and to reduce energy demand. This research paper discusses and proposes a literature review of benefits from PCM passive applications in buildings, and investigates the potential of using PCM to reduce energy needs through the simulation of three different scenarios. Ansys Fluent software was used to study the heat transfer; the thermal flux and the surface wall temperature following the proposed configurations. The results highlight the potential and importance of using the PCM to improve thermal performance and provide a more comfortable indoor environment.