Effect of PCM Embedding on Indoor Temperature Through Building Wall

This study addresses the growing energy consumption in the building sector due to the increasing demand for thermal comfort, primarily driven by heating and ventilation needs. Phase change materials (PCMs) offer a promising solution as they can store significant heat energy during their phase change process, based on latent heat principles. The selection of the appropriate PCM depends on the region’s climate, with a focus here on the hot climate of central India where temperatures can soar up to 48–50 °C in summers. The research investigates PCM’s role in enhancing thermal comfort for building occupants and compares its performance with traditional building materials. Two experiments were conducted on building wall structures: one to determine the optimal PCM layer placement and the other to compare PCM with materials like concrete bricks, sand, and an air gap individually. The experiments were conducted during daytime with temperatures ranging from 35 to 39 °C. The results indicate that placing the PCM layer closer to the heat source provides better thermal comfort. Compared to traditional materials, PCM showed minimal temperature rise in a cold water bath, demonstrating reduced temperature fluctuations and prolonged cooling. This research highlights the potential of PCMs in enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort in hot climates.