A Comparative Study of Advantages of using Phase-Changing Materials over Conventional Building Materials for Achieving Thermal Comfort

Abstract

Recent advancements in building materials and technology have led to the improved thermal performance of the new materials, which is one of the important factors in contributing to energy conservation in the building sector. There are various types of advanced building materials available now that can positively contribute toward achieving energy efficiency in a building. Low-energy building materials, Nano-materials, Green materials, and Phase-change materials are some of the major players as energy-saving materials. Out of which, Phase change materials (PCM) have a tremendous capacity to store energy and release it when temperature variation occurs in or outside the building. A wide range of Phase change materials is available according to the purpose and application in a building component. This research illustrates how the PCM helps in reducing the cooling and heating load of a building, thereby saving energy.