Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for Building Applications

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Phase-change materials (PCMs) possess high storage density in a narrow temperature interval. They release or absorb sufficient energy at phase transition (solid to liquid or vice versa) to provide useful heat or cooling. 

PCMs are used to enhance the thermal storage capacity of traditional building materials. They are prominently used for heating and cooling application for buildings in the form of walls, floors, ceilings, concrete, etc.

This article discusses the applications and advantages of PCM in building construction.

Working of Phase-Change Material (PCM)

PCM has the property to store and release a large amount of energy. During this process, the material changes from solid to liquid and vice versa under a relatively constant temperature. The internal structure of the material changes during this transition.

PCM stores the heat during the melting or charging phase and releases it during the solidification or discharging phase. This process helps control the need for energy consumption in buildings. 

Classes of PCM in Buildings

PCMs used in building applications can be classified into two large classes:

1. Passive systems
2. Active systems

PCMs, as a passive system, collects and stores the heat, and releases heat from itself naturally, while active systems rely on pumps or fans to store or release heat.

Types of Phase-Change Materials (PCMs)

PCMs can be divided into organic, inorganic, and eutectic. The sub-classifications of each type are explained in the figure below:

Applications of PCMs

The different ways to use PCMs for heating and cooling buildings are:

1. PCMs in building walls
2. PCMs as floors and ceilings
3. PCM in concrete
4. PCM in gypsum wallboard
5. PCM for insulation materials in shipping containers
6. Incorporated in the building envelope as heat barriers

Incorporating PCM into the building improves the room’s thermal performance, energy-saving, reduces CO2 emissions, etc. PCMs in building materials are beneficial during extremely hot and cold climates. They help maintain the internal conditions of buildings to a comfortable level, thus reducing energy consumption.

To design a smart PCM-composite building envelope, it is necessary to understand the effect of PCM on the thermal and mechanical behavior of building materials. 

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