Pathways to carbon neutrality in the built environment: Phase change materials

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) are increasingly capturing the spotlight in the realm of building design and construction owing to their capacity to absorb and release thermal energy throughout phase transitions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of PCMs, outlining their properties and applications in improving energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability in buildings. It delves into various types of PCMs, discussing their selection criteria, integration methods, and their impact on indoor climate and energy consumption. The exploration covers both passive and active PCM systems across diverse building components, including implications for walls, roofs, windows, and floors, and integrated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and solar energy storage. Additionally, the review addresses challenges associated with PCM implementation in building applications while considering future prospects in this field.