Overheating mitigation in buildings: a computational exploration of the potential of phase change materials

Phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release thermal energy. The energy is stored when the material goes through a solid-to-liquid phase change, and released in the reverse process. Such materials can contribute to the mitigation of overheating in buildings, if their melting and solidification temperatures are in a suitable range. The present contribution entails a computational examination of this potential as relevant to overheating mitigation in typical residential units in the Central European context of Vienna, Austria. Thereby, multiple variations of PCM application (size, thickness, location, and application thickness) under different contextual settings (fenestration and insulation, boundary conditions in terms of weather) were simulated and comparatively evaluated. Results indicate that certain PCM application configurations can significantly influence indoor thermal condition. For instance, PCM elements with larger surface areas displayed a more pronounced effect as compared to bulkier elements with smaller surface areas. Likewise, ceiling-integrated PCM application was found to be more effective that those involving other room surfaces. The results also highlight the importance of rooms ventilation regime if the PCM application potential toward overheating mitigation is to be effectively harvested