This study analyzes the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) into building exterior walls to develop thermal performance and decrease surface temperatures effectively. PCMs are well-known for their capacity to absorb and release substantial heat during phase transitions and stand in as thermal buffers that stabilize temperature fluctuations within buildings. This investigation aims to introduce the optimum PCM position to reduce exterior surface temperature and heat transfer. Experimental findings emphasize the critical role of PCM layer placement in optimizing effectiveness. In scenario 1-PCM, where the PCM was positioned directly to the heat source, surface temperatures rose from 28.43°C to 75.77°C, a notable improvement over the reference wall's increase from 31.01°C to 91.00°C. This configuration facilitated efficient heat absorption, resulting in an average surface temperature of 64.33°C, contrasting with 85.94°C in the reference scenario. Scenario 3-PCM, with the PCM layer between a 2 cm outer and 3 cm inner insulation layer, demonstrated minimal indoor temperature increase, rising from 28.58°C to 29.52°C, compared to the reference wall's rise to 33.11°C. These findings underscore PCM's potential to enhance energy efficiency and indoor comfort, justifying further research into durability, climatic adaptability, and cost-effectiveness for sustainable building designs.
Jafari et al. (Sat,) studied this question.