Advanced Thermal Energy Solutions: Phase Change Material Evaluation for Building

This research evaluates the effectiveness of two types of phase-change materials (PCMs): one paraffin-based (PCM1) and the other bio-based (PCM2), integrated within a multi-layer wall system. The thermal management and energy-saving capabilities of these MCPs were examined under diverse climatic conditions by numerical simulations performed with ANSYS 2021 R1. The results indicate that PCM1 is more efficient at storing latent heat, allowing it to maintain thermal conditions for extended durations, which makes it particularly suitable for regions experiencing constant temperature fluctuations. On the other hand, PCM2 reacts quickly to sudden temperature shifts because of its reduced melting point and enhanced thermal conductivity, optimizing performance across various environmental settings. Both PCMs markedly diminished indoor temperature fluctuations, achieving energy savings of roughly 18% for cooling requirements. Furthermore, PCM2's bio-based composition provides significant environmental benefits, consistent with sustainable construction methodologies. The results highlight the synergistic advantages of PCM1 and PCM2, stressing the necessity to customize PCM selection according to particular climatic and operational demands to improve building energy efficiency and thermal comfort. This research advocates for the incorporation of phase change materials into wall systems as an effective strategy for sustainable architectural solutions.