Comprehensive study on thermal properties and application of phase change materials in construction

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are increasingly recognized in the construction industry for their ability to enhance thermal energy storage and improve building energy efficiency. Research highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate PCM and effective incorporation strategies, which necessitate both software simulations and experimental validation to optimize their use in building envelopes. One critical challenge is PCM leakage during the incorporation process; however, encapsulation methods have proven effective in mitigating these issues. Paraffin wax is noted as a particularly favorable PCM due to its high thermal storage capacity, non-toxicity, and environmental friendliness. Simulation tools such as EnergyPlus, COMSOL Multiphysics, and TRNSYS are commonly used to model heat transfer in building materials, providing insights into the effectiveness of PCMs in enhancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Recent research shows that the selection of PCM and integration techniques significantly affects thermal performance, with encapsulation techniques successfully resolving leakage issues.