Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Buildings through PCM Integration: A Study across Different Climatic Regions
In the quest for sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions, the incorporation of phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelopes emerges as a groundbreaking strategy. PCMs, renowned for storing and releasing thermal energy during phase transitions, stand as a promising avenue to curt...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/1/40 |
| _version_ | 1797340049272995840 |
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| author | Mustafa Jaradat Hazaa Al Majali Codruta Bendea Constantin C. Bungau Tudor Bungau |
| author_facet | Mustafa Jaradat Hazaa Al Majali Codruta Bendea Constantin C. Bungau Tudor Bungau |
| author_sort | Mustafa Jaradat |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In the quest for sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions, the incorporation of phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelopes emerges as a groundbreaking strategy. PCMs, renowned for storing and releasing thermal energy during phase transitions, stand as a promising avenue to curtail energy consumption while enhancing thermal performance. This study rigorously explores the potential energy savings and thermal comfort benefits achievable through PCM integration into building envelopes. Multiple energy simulations are conducted on a residential building model in diverse locations, including Irbid, Amman, and Aqaba in Jordan, and the city of Oradea in Romania, utilizing the EnergyPlus simulation tool embedded in DesignBuilder software v7.0.2.006. The results reveal that BioPCM<sup>®</sup>, derived from renewable biomass, significantly elevates thermal performance owing to its heightened latent heat of fusion. Optimal outcomes materialize with a PCM melting point of 23 °C, a configuration closer to the interior surface, and a thickness of 37.1 mm. The study underscores the superior performance in moderate climates (Irbid and Amman) compared to hot-dry climates (Aqaba) and cold-wet climates (Oradea, Romania). Financially and environmentally, incorporating PCM in Amman demonstrates potential annual energy savings of 5476.14 kWh, translating to a cost reduction of 1150 USD/year, and a decrease in GHG emissions by 2382.31 kgCO<sub>2</sub>eq. The estimated payback period for PCM incorporation in external walls is four years, robustly emphasizing the feasibility and multifaceted benefits of this energy-efficient solution. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T09:57:19Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-e5915a1a2260478daaac4925b0ce5b35 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T09:57:19Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj.art-e5915a1a2260478daaac4925b0ce5b352024-01-29T13:48:21ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092023-12-011414010.3390/buildings14010040Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Buildings through PCM Integration: A Study across Different Climatic RegionsMustafa Jaradat0Hazaa Al Majali1Codruta Bendea2Constantin C. Bungau3Tudor Bungau4Department of Energy Engineering, German Jordanian University, Amman Madaba Street, P.O. Box 35247, Amman 11180, JordanDepartment of Energy Engineering, German Jordanian University, Amman Madaba Street, P.O. Box 35247, Amman 11180, JordanDepartment of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Energy Engineering and Industrial Management, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaDepartment of Architecture and Constructions, Faculty of Constructions, Cadaster and Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, RomaniaCivil Engineering, Faculty of Constructions, Cadaster and Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, RomaniaIn the quest for sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions, the incorporation of phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelopes emerges as a groundbreaking strategy. PCMs, renowned for storing and releasing thermal energy during phase transitions, stand as a promising avenue to curtail energy consumption while enhancing thermal performance. This study rigorously explores the potential energy savings and thermal comfort benefits achievable through PCM integration into building envelopes. Multiple energy simulations are conducted on a residential building model in diverse locations, including Irbid, Amman, and Aqaba in Jordan, and the city of Oradea in Romania, utilizing the EnergyPlus simulation tool embedded in DesignBuilder software v7.0.2.006. The results reveal that BioPCM<sup>®</sup>, derived from renewable biomass, significantly elevates thermal performance owing to its heightened latent heat of fusion. Optimal outcomes materialize with a PCM melting point of 23 °C, a configuration closer to the interior surface, and a thickness of 37.1 mm. The study underscores the superior performance in moderate climates (Irbid and Amman) compared to hot-dry climates (Aqaba) and cold-wet climates (Oradea, Romania). Financially and environmentally, incorporating PCM in Amman demonstrates potential annual energy savings of 5476.14 kWh, translating to a cost reduction of 1150 USD/year, and a decrease in GHG emissions by 2382.31 kgCO<sub>2</sub>eq. The estimated payback period for PCM incorporation in external walls is four years, robustly emphasizing the feasibility and multifaceted benefits of this energy-efficient solution.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/1/40phase change materials (PCMs)BioPCM<sup>®</sup>thermal performanceenergy simulationbuilding energy modeling (BEM)sustainable building design |
| spellingShingle | Mustafa Jaradat Hazaa Al Majali Codruta Bendea Constantin C. Bungau Tudor Bungau Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Buildings through PCM Integration: A Study across Different Climatic Regions Buildings phase change materials (PCMs) BioPCM<sup>®</sup> thermal performance energy simulation building energy modeling (BEM) sustainable building design |
| title | Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Buildings through PCM Integration: A Study across Different Climatic Regions |
| title_full | Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Buildings through PCM Integration: A Study across Different Climatic Regions |
| title_fullStr | Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Buildings through PCM Integration: A Study across Different Climatic Regions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Buildings through PCM Integration: A Study across Different Climatic Regions |
| title_short | Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Buildings through PCM Integration: A Study across Different Climatic Regions |
| title_sort | enhancing energy efficiency in buildings through pcm integration a study across different climatic regions |
| topic | phase change materials (PCMs) BioPCM<sup>®</sup> thermal performance energy simulation building energy modeling (BEM) sustainable building design |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/1/40 |
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