Phase change materials (PCMs) for building energy efficiency: A review

Phase change materials (PCM) represent an innovative technology with high potential for increasing the energy efficiency of buildings. These materials can reversibly change their state of matter at a specific temperature, effectively absorbing or releasing a large amount of latent heat during phase changes. Thanks to this property, PCMs can effectively regulate the indoor temperature of buildings, increasing occupant comfort and reducing heating and cooling energy costs. Unlike conventional building materials, they provide temperature stabilization at nearly constant temperatures, which helps to minimize temperature fluctuations in interiors. The paper focuses on the characteristics of PCM materials, the principle of their operation, and their range of applications in building structures to create sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of PCM materials, their potential use in increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, and their contribution to sustainable architecture, including reducing operating costs.