Utilizing Phase Change Material Integration for Passive Cooling in Direct Heat Gain Walls

This study investigates the effectiveness of Phase Change material (PCM) in building facade to reduce overall cooling load by minimizing external heat gain. By embedding PCM with external wall, direct heat flow from the outdoor to indoor can be significantly reduced and heat stored in the PCM layers as thermal charge can be released later when outdoor temperature reduces after sunset. This study quantifies the impact of PCM in combination with EPS for better thermal performance. The simulation outcomes of this study suggest that by optimizing the structural integration of PCM and an insulation layer, passive cooling can be achieved in an air-conditioned space. By using PCM, up to 14.82% drop in room air temperature and 62% drop in room's sensible heat can be achieved during summer months. These outcomes present an opportunity to improve the building energy efficiency by encouraging the promotion of passive and environmentally-aware construction practices.