A review of radiant heating and cooling systems incorporating phase change materials

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have got widespread attention in thermal energy storage (TES) applications as a result of their wide operational temperature range, high energy storage density, and prolonged life cycle at a reasonable cost. They offer a practical solution to mitigate the building energy consumption, addressing interior temperature fluctuations and enhancing demand-side management through the incorporation of renewable energy and off-peak power. This study focuses on evaluating the influence of PCMs on the performance of radiant heating and cooling systems. Based on conducting a comprehensive review, this study explores the current challenges associated with PCM utilization in these systems. The analysis discloses noteworthy discoveries and potential advantages, paving the way for further investigation and wider adoption of PCMs in the construction industry. Notably, the incorporation of a 10-mm PCM resulted in a 2.4% annual reduction in heating energy consumption in comparison with the existing structures. Furthermore, utilizing a 20–50-mm PCM could yield annual heating energy savings ranging from 7.3 to 15.3%. N-eicosane emerges as the most effective PCM for floor heating, achieving an optimal floor temperature and contributing to a substantial 43% reduction in heating energy consumption. Ultimately, radiant floor systems demonstrate the potential to reduce energy consumption by up to 8% and 4% in a comparison with commercial heating and cooling systems, respectively.