Current Application Status of Phase Change Energy Storage in Building Energy Efficiency

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jcte.202606203

Author(s)

Haoran Zhang*

Affiliation(s)

School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs), as efficient latent heat storage media, demonstrate significant application potential in the field of building energy efficiency. This paper systematically reviews the research progress and application status of PCMs in building energy efficiency through a systematic literature review based on databases such as Web of Science, focusing on recent studies related to building phase change energy storage, PCM preparation, and building cases utilizing PCMs. A multi-scale inductive and logical synthesis was applied to the retrieved literature to summarize technical patterns, research hotspots, and key limitations at the material, component, and system levels. In-depth case studies of typical engineering projects across different climate zones and building types were conducted for comparative analysis, aiming to comprehensively reveal the overall performance of PCM-integrated buildings under various climatic conditions. Firstly, PCMs are categorized into organic, inorganic, and eutectic materials based on their chemical composition, with their thermophysical properties, optimization strategies, and suitability for different building components critically analyzed. Secondly, mainstream encapsulation technologies-macro-encapsulation, microencapsulation, and shape-stabilization encapsulation-are examined, highlighting their roles in mitigating leakage, enhancing thermal conductivity, and improving cycling stability. Key experimental findings, such as the reduction of indoor temperature peaks by 4.1°C using microencapsulated paraffin and the achievement of 0.247 W/m·K thermal conductivity in expanded perlite/PEG composites, are discussed to substantiate performance claims. Subsequently, the integration methods, thermal performance, and energy-saving effects of PCMs in building envelope components (walls, roofs, floors, windows) are elaborated, supported by empirical data from various climatic zones. For instance, in tropical climates, PCMs reduced annual heat gain by 21–23%, while in Mediterranean regions, cooling loads decreased by 7.5–9.5% and heating loads by 55–61.6%. Finally, current research challenges regarding long-term stability, thermal conductivity optimization, cost, and simulation-experiment discrepancies are identified. Future directions are prospected from the perspectives of material design, encapsulation techniques, system integration, and engineering demonstration. This paper aims to provide a systematic and data-supported reference for further research and application of PCMs in building energy efficiency.

Keywords

Phase Change Material; Building Thermal Management; Thermal Energy Storage; Passive Energy Storage

References

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