Phase Change Materials (PCMS) and Their Optimum Position in Building Walls

sustainability
Review
Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and Their Optimum
Position in Building Walls
Zeyad Amin Al-Absi * , Mohd Hafizal Mohd Isa * and Mazran Ismail
School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; mazran@usm.my
* Correspondence: zeyadarch@gmail.com (Z.A.A.-A.); hafizal@usm.my (M.H.M.I.)

Received: 2 December 2019; Accepted: 14 January 2020; Published: 11 February 2020
Abstract: More than half of the energy consumption in buildings is utilized for the heating and/or
cooling of the indoor environment. The building envelope plays a key role in controlling the effects
of external weather and, therefore, is linked with many passive design strategies. Thermal energy
storage (TES) and phase change materials (PCMs) are efficient techniques, which can store a high
density of thermal energy. The PCMs attract many researchers to implement them in the components
of buildings for thermal management. In building walls, they were implemented in different positions
and have achieved different results. This paper aims to review the related literature that examines
PCMs’ application in different positions within the building walls to locate their optimum position and
the influential parameters. It was found that the optimum positions of PCMs are highly dependent
on performing a daily complete melting/freezing cycle to be ready for the following day. Many
parameters can influence this, including climate and weather conditions and the application target,
PCMs’ melting temperature and heat of fusion, PCMs’ amount, the thermal properties of the wall’s
materials, a mechanical heating/cooling or free-running indoor environment, and wall orientation.
An optimization process using the simulation tools is suggested so that the optimum position of the
PCMs can be located.
Keywords: Thermal energy storage (TES); Phase Change Materials (PCMs); PCMs application in
walls; PCMs optimum positions
1. Introduction
Originally, buildings were commonly constructed using local materials. This helped to protect
them from local climate conditions and respond to the ambient environment [1]. Traditional buildings
were more climate-responsible as they were built to ensure the best control and utilization of climate
factors for the inhabitants’ comfort based on the available materials and technologies. Therefore,
they showed a better indoor environment and less energy consumption [2,3]. During the industrial
revolution, with people migrating to urban areas, which caused overcrowding, the focus of the building
construction sector changed from climatic requirements to economical consideration. This resulted in a
high dependency on mechanical systems to achieve thermal comfort. However, due to the energy crisis
and the negative effects associated with massive energy use, such as climate change, global warming,
and greenhouse gas emissions, humans should reduce energy consumption for the sustainability of
the planet [1]. Buildings are responsible for 40% of global energy consumption, with as much as 60%
of this energy being used for heating and cooling [4]. The building envelop plays a major role in the
heat gains and/or losses in buildings [5]. Therefore, buildings provide a great opportunity through
their envelope to minimize this high energy consumption by introducing more promising solutions,
like passive design strategies.
Thermal energy storage (TES), particularly phase change materials (PCMs) are useful sustainable
passive technologies that can be used in the building fabric to improve heat exchange and energy
Sustainability 2020, 12, 1294; doi:10.3390/su12041294 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2020, 12, 1294 2 of 25
efficiency and minimize energy consumption [6]. They can store a high density of thermal energy
with slighter temperature change [7]. The favourability of using PCMs lies in the ability of a thin
layer of PCMs to store a large amount of heat. Many researchers implemented them in buildings to
improve the thermal performance of building materials and minimize energy consumption. Previous
studies extensively reviewed TES and PCMs in terms of materials’ development, type, properties,
performance, methods of testing, and methods of application [8–17].
It was observed that some works examined the application of PCMs in different positions within
the building walls (i.e., two positions—internally and externally—and up to 16 different positions)
looking for the optimum position, which guarantees the best performance. However, different results
were achieved. For instance, the optimum position was achieved in the internal layer of the wall [18–20],
in the external layer of the wall [21,22] or within the wall section (i.e., in the middle, close to internal
surface or close to external surface) [7,23–27]. The current work, therefore, aims at reviewing the
previously conducted studies, which examined PCMs in different positions within the buildings’ walls
to locate the optimum position of PCMs, and identify the parameters that have an impact on achieving
a variety of PCMs’ optimum position in these studies. This work starts with a brief introduction
on TES, then PCMs and their types, properties, advantages, requirements for their application, and
methods of integration into buildings. After that, it addresses the application of PCMs in buildings’
walls, focusing mainly on reviewing and analysing previous works that have examined PCMs in
different positions to find the best performance and the optimum position. The methodologies of these
works were studied and reviewed in detail to identify the involved parameters and understand their
influence on PCMs performance.
2. Thermal Energy Storage (TES)

Thermal energy storage (TES) is basically the storing of the available thermal energy in order to
reuse it during its shortage. The most significant value of TES is that it can solve the mismatch between
the supply and demand of energy [28]. For instance, with TES, solar energy during the day-time can
be stored to be used for heating the cold night-time, while the coolness of night-time can be used for
cooling the warm day-time [29]. Furthermore, it is possible to store the heat of the warm summer
months for heating in winter, and the coolness of the winter for cooling in summer. This is known
as seasonal TES, which can help in meeting the energy needs caused by the seasonal temperature
fluctuations [28]. Water and ice are often regarded as the favoured storage mediums for heating and
cooling, respectively. TES can improve the heat exchange and energy efficiency of buildings [6] and
can help in reducing fuel consumption through the effective use of equipment and systems that utilize
thermal energy. Furthermore, the wasted low-cost energy, where its time of generation differs from the
thermal demand period, such as passive and active solar heating and the internal heat produced by
occupants, lighting, cooking, and appliances, can be utilized through TES [14]. Moreover, low-cost
energy can be purchased during off-peak periods and stored for high-rate periods. Besides, TES
reduces the peaks in energy demand, which, in turn, reduces its associated cost [14].
TES capture (charge), store, and reuse (discharge) the thermal energy. Energy storage in materials
has three types, known as sensible heat, latent heat, and thermochemical [4,30]. The best known types
for TES are sensible heat (i.e., storage by causing a temperature rise) and latent heat (i.e., storage by
causing a phase change) [28]. However, the latter is preferable [14].
3. Phase Change Materials (PCMS)

PCMs are the types of TES materials in which the latent heat is absorbed or released during
the material’s phase change. They can help in regulating the ambient temperature within a specific
range close to their transition temperature. When the ambient temperature increases more than the
PCMs’ melting temperature, the chemical bonds in the material break up causing the material to
absorbing the additional heat, while its state changes from solid to liquid. On the other hand, once the
temperature drops below the PCMs’ freezing temperature, the material discharges the energy and,
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therefore, changes
therefore, changes backback to
tothe
thesolid-state
solid-state[16].
[16].If thethe
material’s phase transition temperatures (i.e.,(i.e.,
the
therefore, changes back to the solid-state [16]. If If material’s
the material’s phase
phase transition
transition temperatures
temperatures (i.e., the
melting
the and
melting freezing temperatures) match with the required comfort temperature in buildings, it can
melting andand freezing
freezing temperatures)
temperatures) match match
withwith the required
the required comfort
comfort temperature
temperature in buildings,
in buildings, it can
help
ithelp to maintain
cantohelp the
to maintain indoor thermal
the indoor environment within comfortable conditions and reduces the total
maintain the indoor thermalthermal environment
environment within comfortable
within comfortable conditions
conditions and reducesand reduces
the total
hours
the of hours
total thermal discomfort
of thermal by absorbing
discomfort the extrathe
by absorbing heat
extra[4] heat
and, thus, reducing the heating and/or
hours of thermal discomfort by absorbing the extra heat [4] and,[4] and,
thus, thus, reducing
reducing the heating
the heating and/or
cooling
and/or loads. Figure 1a illustrates how PCMs can improve a building’s indoor environment by
coolingcooling
loads. loads.
FigureFigure 1a illustrates
1a illustrates howhow PCMs PCMs cancan improve
improve a building’sindoor
a building’s indoorenvironment
environment by by
reducingindoor
reducing indoor temperaturepeaks peaks and fluctuation. Furthermore, thethe favourability of using PCMs
reducing indoortemperature
temperature peaksand andfluctuation.
fluctuation. Furthermore,
Furthermore, favourability
the favourability of using PCMs
of using PCMslies
liesthe
in in the ability of a layer
thin layer of PCMs to store a large amount of heat. For instance,
a wallaamade
wall made
lies inability of a thin
the ability of PCMs
of a thin layer to store
of PCMs a large
to store amount
a large of heat.
amount For instance,
of heat. For instance, from
wall made
from
PCMs PCMs could
could could be
be 20 times 20 times thinner than a wall made from concrete [31]. The point when the
from PCMs be 20thinner than a wall
times thinner thanmade
a wallfrom made concrete [31]. The[31].
from concrete pointThe when thewhen
point material the
materialits
changes changes its phase
phase greatly greatlythe
enhances enhances
material’s thestorage
material’s storage
capacity [30],capacity
which can[30],
storewhich can density
a higher store a
material changes its phase greatly enhances the material’s storage capacity [30], which can store a
higher
of density
thermal energyof thermal energychange
with a smaller with a smaller change in
in temperature temperature
[7,29], as shown[7,29], as shown
in Figure 1b. in Figure 1b.
higher density of thermal energy with a smaller change in temperature [7,29], as shown in Figure 1b.
Temperature Peak temperature delay Temperature
Temperature Peak temperature delay Temperature
at at
he t he t
le a le a
Peak temperature reduction is b e he is b e he
n l n l
Peak temperature reduction
Sensib Se nsib
Melting Se Latent heat Se
less temperature Melting
temperature Latent heat
lessfluctuation
temperature temperature at
he t
le a
fluctuation
s ib e h e Additional stored heat
n l Additional stored heat
Se n s i b
Se Stored Heat
Total stored heat (sensible) Stored Heat
Time
Time Total stored heat (sensible)
(a) Temperature profile without PCMs Temperature profile with PCMs (b) Total stored heat with PCMs (sensible + Latent)
(a) Temperature profile without PCMs Temperature profile with PCMs (b) Total stored heat with PCMs (sensible + Latent)
Figure 1.
Figure 1. Role of PCMs application in regulating a building’s
building’s indoor temperature (a) [4],
[4], and
and the
the
Figure 1. Role of PCMs application in regulating a building’s indoor temperature (a) [4], and the
storage capacity
storage capacity of
of materials
materials with
with latent
latent heat
heat compared
comparedto
tosensible
sensibleheat
heatonly
only(b)
(b)[32].
[32].
storage capacity of materials with latent heat compared to sensible heat only (b) [32].
Generally,
Generally, phase-changing
phase-changing in in materials
materials has
has four
four types:
types: solid–solid,
solid–solid, solid–liquid,
solid–liquid, solid–gas
solid–gas and
and
Generally, phase-changing in materials has four types: solid–solid, solid–liquid, solid–gas and
liquid–gas
liquid–gas [4].
[4]. However, the solid–liquid variety can be practically applied in the the building sector for
for
liquid–gas [4]. However, the solid–liquid variety can be practically applied in the building sector for
many
many reasons,
reasons, including
including its lesser
lesser volume
volume alteration,
alteration, requiring a smaller
smaller quantity
quantity of the
the material
material to
to
many reasons, including its lesser volume alteration, requiring a smaller quantity of the material to
store
store a given amount energy, and the nearly constant temperature by which the thermal energy is
a given amount of energy, and the nearly constant temperature by which the thermal energy is
store a given amount of energy, and the nearly constant temperature by which the thermal energy is
stored
stored [4,11,33].
[4,11,33]. PCMs come in various types. Generally,
Generally, they are classified into three main categories:
stored [4,11,33]. PCMs come in various types. Generally, they are classified into three main categories:
organic
organicPCMs,
PCMs,inorganic
inorganicPCMs,
PCMs, andandeutectic PCMs.
eutectic EachEach
PCMs. category can becan
category divided based on
be divided the various
based on the
organic PCMs, inorganic PCMs, and eutectic PCMs. Each category can be divided based on the
components of the PCMs
various components [4,11,16,34,35],
of the as shownasinshown
PCMs [4,11,16,34,35], Figurein2.Figure 2.
various components of the PCMs [4,11,16,34,35], as shown in Figure 2.
Phase Change Materials

(PCMs)
Organic PCM Inorganic PCM Eutectic PCM
Paraffinic PCMs Salt Hydrates Organic-Organic
Non-paraffinic PCMs Metalics Inorganic-Inorganic
Fatty acids Esters Alcohols Glycols Organic-Inorganic
Figure 2. Phase
Figure 2. Phase change
change materials
materials (PCMs)
(PCMs) categories
categories [35].
[35].
Figure 2. Phase change materials (PCMs) categories [35].
The selection of an ideal phase change material (PCM) for the building application is important
The selection of an ideal phase change material (PCM) for the building application is important
and The selection
governed by ofa an idealrange
wide phaseofchange material (PCM)
characteristics for the building
and requirements application
that should be is important
fulfilled,
and governed by a wide range of characteristics and requirements that should be fulfilled, including
and governed
including by a wide range
thermodynamic, of characteristics
chemical, and requirements
kinetic, and technical that should
and economic be fulfilled,
characteristics including
[4,11,12,15,36].
thermodynamic, chemical, kinetic, and technical and economic characteristics [4,11,12,15,36]. These
thermodynamic,
These chemical,
characteristics kinetic, andare
and requirements technical and economic
summarized in Figurecharacteristics
3. [4,11,12,15,36]. These
characteristics and requirements are summarized in Figure 3.
characteristics and requirements are summarized in Figure 3.

PCMs are integrated into building materials to enhance their thermal properties. According to
Hawes [37] and Kenisarin and Mahkamov [14], building materials that can be used to host the PCMs
PCMs are integrated into building materials to enhance their thermal properties. According to
are preferred to fulfil the following conditions:
Hawes [37] and Kenisarin and Mahkamov [14], building materials that can be used to host the PCMs
•are required to fulfil
Being widely usedtheinfollowing conditions:
various types of structures;
•• Possess
They are a large
beingcontact
widelysurface
used andthat
inpromotes heat
a variety of transfer;
structures;
•• Possess a short heat exchange depth;
Have a large contact surface to encourage heat transfer;
•• Ease
Haveofsmall
production and quality
heat exchange control using existing facilities;
depth;
•• Their geometry
Production andand structure
quality help
control ofthem
theseto act as thecan
materials thermal conduit
be carried outin exploitation
using existing and improve
facilities;
• the function
Their of heat
location, reservoirs,
geometry, and heat exchangers
structure and building
help them combine elements;
the function of a thermal conduit;
• heat of
Ease reservoirs,
constructingheatof exchangers and building elements;
test structures;
•• Their
Test structure
structure can
can be easily
retain theconstructed;
PCMs, even in the liquid state, by virtue of surface tension.
• Their structure can retain the PCMs, even in the liquid state, by virtue of surface tension.
PCMs selection requirements

for building application
Thermodynamic Technical &

Chemical properties Kinetic properties
properties economical properties
Transition temperature Long-term chemical Super-cooling (sub- Applicability,

stability cooling) simplicity,
- Within operating temperature effectiveness,
- Thermal comfort requirement Proper cycling stability with - No or little super-cooling
no degradation after repeated
compatibility with
- Close to the average room (tends to super-cool below the
melting/freezing cycles melting temperature before it other materials,
temperature
starts solidify) compactness, viability
Complete reversible and reliability.
Thermal conductivity High crystallization
melting/freezing cycle
- Good thermal conductivity rate Available in large scale
for energy storage application Non-corrosive
- Low thermal conductivity for Effective low cost
thermal insulation application Non-flammable
Higher latent heat of Non-explosive

fusion Non-toxic
Higher specific heat
capacity
Physical stability with

Small volume changes
Consistent melting and

freezing behavior
Figure3.3. Selection
Figure Selection of
of aa PCM
PCMbased
basedon
onits
itsproperties.
properties.
Different
Differenttechnologies
technologies are available for PCMs’
are available integration
for PCMs’ into building
integration intomaterials.
buildingThese technologies
materials. These
can be classified
technologies caninto direct incorporation,
be classified immersion, encapsulation,
into direct incorporation, and stabilization
immersion, encapsulation, and[25] (Figure 4).
stabilization
With direct
(Figure 4). incorporation, the PCMs are the
With direct incorporation, added directly
PCMs, intosolid-state,
in the the materials,are while,
addedindirectly
immersion,
into the
the
building materials and elements are immersed into the liquid PCMs allowing
materials, while, in immersion, the building materials and elements are immersed into the liquid for absorption by
capillary action. for
PCMs allowing Even though both
absorption technologies
by capillary action.are economical
Even though both andtechnologies
practical, theare leakage of PCMs,
economical and
inflammability, and incompatibility
practical, the leakage with building materials
of PCMs, inflammability, are the mainwith
and incompatibility drawbacks
buildingof materials
these techniques.
are the
On thedrawbacks
main other hand,ofthe PCMs’
these encapsulation
techniques. On theinvolves macro-encapsulation,
other hand, the PCMs’ encapsulationmicro-encapsulation, and
involves macro-
nano-encapsulation. In the macro-encapsulation,
encapsulation, micro-encapsulation, PCMs are packed
and nano-encapsulation. in different types of containers
In the macro-encapsulation, PCMs are
(tubes,
packedspheres, panels,
in different typesetc.), while, in (tubes,
of containers the micro-encapsulation
spheres, panels, etc.),andwhile,
nano-encapsulation, the PCMs
in the micro-encapsulation
particles are enclosed in athe
and nano-encapsulation, thinPCMs
shell particles
(i.e., between 1000 andin1aµm
are enclosed thinfor micro-capsules
shell (i.e., betweenand below
1000 and 11000
µm
nm for nano-capsules)
for micro-capsules and[25,38].
below 1000Finally,
nm forPCMs stabilization[25,38].
nano-capsules) means Finally,
that they are incorporated
PCMs into a
stabilization means
supporting
that they are porous structure
incorporated such
into as high-density
a supporting porouspolyethylene
structure such[34].as high-density polyethylene [34].
Phase Change Materials

Integration technologies
Direct incorporation Impregnation of Encapsulation of Stabilization of

of PCM PCM PCM PCM
Solid PCM Macro- Shape-

Immersion
incorporation encapsulation stabilization
Liquid PCM Micro/Nano- Form-

Imbibing
incorporation encapsulation stabilization
Figure 4. PCMs’
PCMs’ integration
integration technologies into building materials.
3.1. PCMs
3.1. PCMs Application
Application in
in Building
Building Walls
Walls
The PCMs
The PCMs have have attracted
attracted many many researchers
researchers to to implement
implement them them intointo buildings’
buildings’ wallswalls for
for thermal
thermal
management. For
management. For instance,
instance, PCMs-enhanced
PCMs-enhanced bricks, bricks, blocks,
blocks, wallboards,
wallboards, panels,panels, and and plaster
plaster were were
developed and tested extensively [35,39]. Generally, PCMs
developed and tested extensively [35,39]. Generally, PCMs layers are placed close to the indoorlayers are placed close to the indoor
environment [40].
environment [40]. For
For example,
example, Ramakrishnan
Ramakrishnan et et al.
al. [41]
[41] applied
applied macro-encapsulated
macro-encapsulated PCMs PCMs as as the
the
inner linings
inner linings of of the
the walls
walls and and ceilings,
ceilings, whichwhich effectively
effectively reduced
reduced the the indoor
indoor heatheat stress
stress risks
risks andand
improved occupants’ comfort and health. Meng, Yu, and Zhou
improved occupants’ comfort and health. Meng, Yu, and Zhou [42] applied a composite PCMs layer [42] applied a composite PCMs
layer made
made of twoofPCMstwo PCMs with different
with different melting melting temperatures
temperatures on theon the surface
inner inner surface
of the of theinwall
wall onein one
room
room
to to improve
improve the wallthe wall performance
performance in summer
in summer andand winter,
winter, andand theresults
the resultsshowed
showedbetter better thermal
thermal
performance in both seasons. Barzin et al. [6] applied PCM-impregnated gypsum boardsinternal
performance in both seasons. Barzin et al. [6] applied PCM-impregnated gypsum boards on the on the
surface of
internal the walls
surface and
of the tested
walls andittested
with aitcombination
with a combination of nightofventilation for cooling
night ventilation purposes,
for cooling which
purposes,
which resulted in weekly electricity saving of 73%. Ascione et al. [43] numerically tested a 20PCMs
resulted in weekly electricity saving of 73%. Ascione et al. [43] numerically tested a 20 mm thick mm
layer applied
thick PCMs layer on theapplied
internalon surface of the building
the internal surface external wall andexternal
of the building achievedwall a reduction
and achievedof 11.7% a
and 1.6% for
reduction summer
of 11.7% andcooling
1.6% for and winter cooling
summer heating,and respectively.
winter heating, respectively.
PCMs layers
PCMs layersare arealso
alsoplaced
placed in in
other
otherpositions
positionswithin the buildings’
within the buildings’ walls.walls.
For example, Lei et al.
For example, Lei[44]
et
applied PCMs in combination with cool colours on the external surface
al. [44] applied PCMs in combination with cool colours on the external surface of the walls to reduce of the walls to reduce external
heat gainheat
external in tropics,
gain inintropics,
order toindecrease
order tothe coolingthe
decrease load, and achieved
cooling load, and 2–15% savings.
achieved 2–15%Vicente and
savings.
Silva [45] incorporated macro-incapsulated PCM into the centre of
Vicente and Silva [45] incorporated macro-incapsulated PCM into the centre of a brick masonry wall, a brick masonry wall, which helped
to reduce
which and delay
helped the temperature
to reduce and delay the peaks. De Graciapeaks.
temperature et al. [46]
De applied
Gracia et macro-encapsulated
al. [46] applied macro- PCM
panels inside the cavity of a ventilated façade to reduce both heating
encapsulated PCM panels inside the cavity of a ventilated façade to reduce both heating and cooling and cooling loads during winter
and summer,
loads during respectively.
winter and summer, Cao et al. respectively.
[47] experimentally Cao etdeveloped a geopolymer concrete
al. [47] experimentally developed walla
containing micro-encapsulated
geopolymer concrete wall containing PCM andmicro-encapsulated
tested it numerically, which
PCM and significantly reduced the annual
tested it numerically, which
energy consumption
significantly reducedfor theheating
annual and energycooling.
consumption for heating and cooling.
Furthermore, multiple
Furthermore, multiple PCMs layers PCMs layers were wereimplemented
implemented in buildings’
in buildings’ walls.walls.
However, each PCMs
However, each
layer was
PCMs layerimplemented
was implemented for a different purpose.purpose.
for a different For instance, Zhu et al.
For instance, Zhu[48]etinvestigated the possible
al. [48] investigated the
energy saving achieved by the use of two layers of a shape-stabilized
possible energy saving achieved by the use of two layers of a shape-stabilized phase change phase change materials-wallboard
(SSPCMs) in five typical
materials-wallboard climatein
(SSPCMs) regions of China.
five typical Two different
climate regions SSPCMs
of China.wallboards
Two different with different
SSPCMs
wallboards with different thermophysical properties were attached to a common concrete wallinner
thermophysical properties were attached to a common concrete wall (i.e., one wallboard on the (i.e.,
surface
one and theon
wallboard other
the on innerthesurface
outer surface),
and the as shown
other on thein Figure 5. The south
outer surface), wall of
as shown in the simulated
Figure 5. The
room was
south wallintegrated with the
of the simulated roomSSPCMs wallboards,with
was integrated while thethe other three
SSPCMs walls, ceiling,
wallboards, while the andother
floor three
were
walls, ceiling, and floor were thermally isolated. As an office building, the air-conditioner was set toa
thermally isolated. As an office building, the air-conditioner was set to work from 7:00 to 18:00 with
set point of 18 ◦ ◦ C for summer based on the heating and/or cooling requirements
work from 7:00Ctofor18:00
winter withand/or
a set26 point of 18 °C for winter and/or 26 °C for summer based on the
of each region.
heating and/or cooling requirements of each region.
Based on
Based on thethe experimental
experimental results, results, the the external
external SSPCMs
SSPCMs layer layer reduced
reduced external
external heat heat gain
gain inin
summer. Therefore,
summer. Therefore, it it reduced
reduced the the cooling
cooling load load for
for thethe regions
regions that
that require
require cooling,
cooling, while
while it it reduced
reduced
the peak indoor temperature, leading to a more comfortable
the peak indoor temperature, leading to a more comfortable time if cooling is not required. Ontime if cooling is not required. On thethe
other hand, the internal SSPCMs layer stored the extra indoor heat
other hand, the internal SSPCMs layer stored the extra indoor heat and released it back during the and released it back during the
insufficient day-time
insufficient day-time heat heat in in winter.
winter. Therefore,
Therefore, it it reduced
reduced the the heating
heating load load for
for regions
regions thatthat require
require
heating, while it improved the indoor temperature and the comfortable time in the regions that do
not require heating. In addition, they noticed that the indoor temperature influenced the optimum

melting temperature of the internal PCM layer, while the outdoor ambient temperature influenced
the optimum melting temperature of the external PCM layer.
heating, while it improved the indoor temperature and the comfortable time in the regions that do
melting temperature of the In
not require heating. internal
addition,PCM layer,that
they noticed while the outdoor
the indoor ambient
temperature temperature
influenced the optimum influenced
melting Concrete
temperature of the internal PCM layer, while the outdoor Concrete
the optimum melting
Insulation 1 temperature of the external PCM
Insulation 1 layer. ambient temperatureInsulation
influenced the
1
optimum PCM1melting temperature of the external
PCM2 PCM layer.
Insulation 2 Insulation 2
Lime Lime Lime
Concrete Concrete
Insulation 1 Insulation 1 Insulation 1
PCM1Outdoor PCM2
Indoor Insulation
Outdoor2 Indoor Insulation 2
Lime Lime Lime
Outdoor Indoor Outdoor Indoor
Double SSPCMs wallboard Reference wallboard
Figure 5. Wall with PCM layers (left) and the reference wall without PCMs (right) [48].
3.2. Investigation ofDouble

PCMs’ Optimum
SSPCMs Position in Buildings’ Walls
wallboard Reference wallboard
The PCMs’ position in building

Figure 5. Wall walls
with PCM layers showed
(left) variouswall
and the reference effects
without on the(right)
PCMs phase-change
[48]. process of
Figure 5. Wall with PCM layers (left) and the reference wall without PCMs (right) [48].
PCMs and, 3.2. consequently,
Investigation of PCMs’the improvement
Optimum Positionin in the wall’sWalls
Buildings’ thermal performance [40]. Therefore, some
researchers investigated the effects of changing the position of the PCMs layer in building walls,
3.2. InvestigationThe of PCMs’ Optimum
PCMs’ position Position
in building inshowed
walls Buildings’ Walls
various effects on the phase-change process of
looking for the optimum position of the PCMs layer.
PCMs and, consequently, the improvement in the wall’s thermal performance [40]. Therefore, some
TheKong
PCMs’ position
et al.
researchers [18] in building
applied
investigated two
the walls
types
effects of showed the various
position ofeffects
macro-encapsulated
of changing thePCMs
PCMs onlayer
thethe
on phase-change
in walls, process
wall’s external
building and of
PCMsinternal
and, surfaces. for Capric
consequently,
looking acid
the
the optimum (CA), of
improvement
position with a in
the PCMs melting
the pointthermal
wall’s
layer. of 30.2 performance
°C, was applied [40].onTherefore,
the externalsome
Kong
surface ofinvestigated et
the wall, while al. [18] applied two types of macro-encapsulated PCMs on the wall’s external and
researchers thea mixture
effects of of changing
capric acidthe andposition
1-dodecanol of the(CADE),
PCMswith layera melting point of
in building walls,
internal surfaces. Capric acid (CA), with a melting point of 30.2 ◦ C, was applied on the external
26.5 °C,
looking forwas
the applied
optimum on position
the internal of surface
the of PCMsof the wall. The mixture was prepared to tackle the super-
surface of the wall, while a mixture capriclayer.
acid and 1-dodecanol (CADE), with a melting point
cooling
Kong eteffect,
of 26.5 allowing
al. [18]
◦ C, wasapplied the
applied onPCM
two to freeze
the types
internalof within a small
macro-encapsulated
surface of the range
wall. The ofPCMs
mixture temperature
on thetofluctuation
was prepared wall’s
tackle the in the and
external
internal environment.
super-cooling A total
effect, of 240
allowing mmtoperforated
the PCM withinbricks
a smallwas used to construct the walls of three
internal surfaces. Capric acid (CA), with afreeze
melting point range
of 30.2 of temperature
°C, was fluctuation
applied in
onthethe external
rooms with theenvironment.
internal dimensions of mm
A 240 2000thick
× 2000 × 2400
wall, made mm, while
of perforated the
bricks, wasroof
usedwas constructed
to construct the wallsfrom an
surface of the wall, while athe
of sandwich
three rooms with
mixture
dimensions
of of
capric acid ×and
× 2000 was
2000room 2400
1-dodecanol
mm, as
while
(CADE),
the roof waswithout
with afrom
constructed
melting point of
insulation board (Figure 6). One used a reference PCMs, an while the
26.5 °C, wasinsulation
appliedsandwichon the internal surface
board (Figure 6). Oneof room
the wall. Theasmixture
was used a reference was prepared
without PCMs, to tackle
while the the super-
other two rooms were used to install the PCM panels on the external surfaces of one room (PCMOW)
cooling otherallowing
effect, two rooms the were PCM
used to to
install the PCM
freeze withinpanelsaon the external
small range surfaces of one room (PCMOW)
of temperature fluctuation in the
and in the
andinternal surfaces
in the internal of the
surfaces other
of the otherroom
room(PCMIW).
(PCMIW).
internal environment. A total of 240 mm perforated bricks was used to construct the walls of three
rooms with the dimensions of 2000 × 2000 × 2400 mm, while the roof was constructed from an
insulation sandwich board (Figure 6). One room was used as a reference
Polystyrene board
without PCMs, while the
Polystyrene board
Polystyrene board
other two rooms were used to install the PCM panels on the external surfaces of one room (PCMOW)
and in the internal surfaces of the other room (PCMIW).
Perforated Perforated Perforated
bricks bricks bricks
PCM panel PCM panel
(CA) (CADE)
Polystyrene board Polystyrene board Polystyrene board

Reference Room PCMOW Room PCMIW Room
Figure 6. PCM layers’ position in the external and internal surfaces and the reference room [18].
Figure 6. PCM layers’ position in the external and internal surfaces and the reference room [18].
Perforated
The experimental work involved three scenarios, including free coolingPerforated
Perforated (i.e., closed doors and
bricks bricks bricks
windows), night ventilation
The experimental work involved (i.e., opened
three scenarios, including free cooling and
PCM panel doors and windows during the night) (i.e.,night forced
PCMdoors
closed
and panel
(CA) (CADE)
windows), night ventilation (i.e., opened doors and windows during the night) and night forced
Reference
ventilation (i.e., an airRoom PCMOW
exhauster was installed on Room
the window and operated PCMIW Room
during the night). The
results showed that the PCM on the internal surface of the wall achieved a peak indoor temperature
reduction
Figure of 2.3 °Clayers’
6. PCM and time delayinof
position the3 external
h, compared to 1 °C surfaces
and internal and 2.1 and
h, respectively,
the referencefor the [18].
room case of

ventilation (i.e., an air exhauster was installed on the window and operated during the night).
surfaces, on theresults
The indoorshowed that the PCM onHowever,
environment. the internal surface of the wall achieved
they mentioned that aapplying
peak indoorPCMs
temperature
on the external
◦ ◦
reduction of 2.3 C and time delay of 3 h, compared to 1 C and 2.1 h, respectively, for the case of PCM
surface of the walls has a role of thermal insulation rather than as a temperature regulator.
on the external surface. In addition, applying night ventilation and night forced ventilation further
Jin, Medina,
increasedand Zhangin[27]
the reduction experimentally
the peak evaluated
temperatures, especially with thethe
PCMthermal
applied onperformance
the inner surface.of different
positions ofThis
theindicates
PCM layer in the
the direct walls to
influence find
of the the optimum
PCMs, position.
which are applied on the Ainternal
PCM thermal
surfaces, onshield
the (PCMTS),
indoor environment. However, they mentioned that applying PCMs on the external surface of the
with a melting temperature range of 24–34 °C, was used in this work and the experiments were
walls has a role of thermal insulation rather than as a temperature regulator.
performed using Jin,aMedina,
dynamic and wall
Zhangsimulator. The wall
[27] experimentally cavitythewas
evaluated made
thermal of five insulating
performance of different layers (i.e.,
12.7 mm foam insulation
positions of the PCMsheet)
layer sandwiched bythe
in the walls to find a 12.7 mmposition.
optimum gypsum wallboard
A PCM for the
thermal shield internal surface,
(PCMTS),
with a meltingstrand
temperature ◦
and 20.5 mm oriented boardrange(OSB)of 24–34
for the C, external
was used in this work
surface. Theandtotal
the experiments
layers of the werewall without
performed using a dynamic wall simulator. The wall cavity was made of five insulating layers (i.e.,
the PCMTS12.7 layer were seven layers, which allowed for six different positions of PCMTS layers to be
mm foam insulation sheet) sandwiched by a 12.7 mm gypsum wallboard for the internal surface,
tested. By taking
and 20.5 mmtheoriented
thickness
strandof the(OSB)
board insulation cavity
for the external as L,Thethe
surface. totaltested
layers ofpositions from indoor to
the wall without
outdoor were referred to as 0/5L to 5/5L, as can be seen in Figure 7. In addition, one be
the PCMTS layer were seven layers, which allowed for six different positions of PCMTS layers to wall without
tested. By taking the thickness of the insulation cavity as L, the tested positions from indoor to outdoor
PCMTS waswere used for control. The simulator was in an air-conditioned laboratory, with a set point of
referred to as 0/5L to 5/5L, as can be seen in Figure 7. In addition, one wall without PCMTS was
22–24 °C which
used forrepresents
control. The the indoorwas
simulator environment, while laboratory,
in an air-conditioned inside thewith simulator
a set pointwas the ◦heat
of 22–24 C source to
reflect the outdoor conditions.
which represents the indoorThe heat sources
environment, in thethesimulator
while inside simulator waswere set source
the heat to produce
to reflectthe
the heat on the
outdoor conditions. The heat sources in the simulator were set to produce the heat on the wall surface
wall surface similar to an actual west wall and were turned ‘on’ for 11 h then turned ‘off’ for 13 h to
similar to an actual west wall and were turned ‘on’ for 11 h then turned ‘off’ for 13 h to complete one
complete one cycle
cycle of 24 of 24 h,was
h, which which wasseveral
repeated repeatedtimes. several times.
Five insulating layers

12.7mm each
Gypsum wallboard Oriented strand board

12.7mm (OSB) 20.5mm
Indoor Outdoor
0/5L 5/5L
1/5L 2/5L 3/5L 4/5L
Locations of PCM thermal shields
Figure 7.Figure PCM thermal

PCM7.thermal shields’
shields’ (PCMTSs’) position
(PCMTSs’) positionwithin the wall
within thelayers
wall[27].
layers [27].
The experimental results showed that PCMTS located in (1/5L) achieved the highest reduction in
The experimental resultsbyshowed
the heat flux, followed that
(0/5L), with PCMTS
averages of 41%located
and 14%, inrespectively.
(1/5L) achieved the highest
They observed that as reduction
the PCMTS
in the heat flux, layer was
followed by closer to the
(0/5L), heataverages
with source, its effect
of 41% on reducing
and 14%, andrespectively.
shifting the peakThey
heat flux
observed that
was lessened. Finally, they mentioned that PCMTS in positions (2/5L, 3/5L, 4/5L, and 5/5L) were close
as the PCMTS layer was closer to the heat source, its effect on reducing and shifting the peak heat
to the heat source which causes the complete melting of PCMs without fully solidifying. Therefore,
flux was lessened.
not all theFinally,
stored heatthey
was mentioned
released, whichthat PCMTS
reduced in positions
the storage capacity of(2/5L, 3/5L,
the PCMs. The4/5L, and 5/5L) were
insulating
close to thelayers
heatmight
source whichthecauses
also reduce the of
effectiveness complete
the internalmelting
cooling inof PCMs without
discharging fullyas solidifying.
the stored heat
the PCM layer moves away. In contrast, in position (0/5L), the PCM layer received less heat, thus its
Therefore, not all the stored heat was released, which reduced the storage capacity of the PCMs. The
effectiveness was less. The position (1/5L) achieved the best results, since the PCM layer received heat
insulating layers might
to charge, whichalso reducetothe
was enough fullyeffectiveness
discharge. of the internal cooling in discharging the stored
heat as the PCM layer moves away. In contrast, in position (0/5L), the PCM layer received less heat,
thus its effectiveness was less. The position (1/5L) achieved the best results, since the PCM layer
received heat to charge, which was enough to fully discharge.
Zwanzig, Lian, and Brehob, [23] numerically investigated a PCMs composite wallboard
Zwanzig, Lian, and Brehob, [23] numerically investigated a PCMs composite wallboard
incorporated into different positions in a multi-layered building wall under all seasonal conditions.
The multi-layered wall consisted of: (1) 9.5 mm EIFS finish (exterior), (2) 25.4 mm insulation board,
(3) 12.7 mm fibreboard sheathing, (4) 89.4 mm batt insulation and (5) 15.9 mm gypsum board (interior).
They used a PCM composite wallboard containing paraffin PCM with a transition temperature range of
25–27.5 ◦ C. Three different positions for a PCM layer were considered for evaluation: Case 1, between
layers 1 and 2; Case 2, between layers 3 and 4; and case 3, replacing layer 5 (Figure 8). The indoor
air temperature was selected to be 20 ◦ C for the heating season and 24 ◦ C for the cooling season.
The results showed that Case 2 achieved the best results in peak load shifting and reductions compared
Sustainability 2019, 11, x
to other FORduring
cases PEER both
REVIEW
heating and cooling seasons. 8 of 24
Fibreboard
Batt insulation
Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW sheathing 12.7mm 8 of 24
Insulation board
89.4mm
25.4mm
Fibreboard
Gypsum wallboard Batt insulation sheathing 12.7mm EIFS finish
Insulation board
15.9mm 89.4mm
25.4mm9.5mm
Gypsum wallboard EIFS finish
15.9mm 9.5mm
Indoor 5 4 3 2 1 Outdoor
Indoor 5 4 3 2 1 Outdoor
Case 3
Case 3
Replacing layer 5 Case 1
Case 1
Replacing layer 5 between
Case
Case 22 between layer 1 layer
&2 1 &2
between layer
between layer 3 &4
3 &4
Figure 8. Positions of the PCM layer within the wall [23].

8. Positions
FigureFigure
8. Positions of of
thethePCM
PCM layer
layerwithin the wall
within the[23].
wall [23].
Hichemetetal.al.
Hichem [24][24] numerically
numerically investigated
investigated the of
the effects effects
fillingof filling
bricks’ bricks’
holes holes with macro-
with macro-encapsulated
Hichem PCMset al.
encapsulated [24] PCMs
on improving numerically
on thermal
the improving investigated
the of
inertia thermal
the wall. the
Theeffects
inertia of ofresults
the wall.
numerical filling bricks’
The numerical
were holes
results
validated withwerewith macro-
an
encapsulated validated
PCMswith
experimental on animproving
model.experimental
After that, model.
the After
theeffects that,PCMs
of the
thermal the effects
inertiatype,of of the
thePCMs
position and
wall. type,
amount
Theposition
were and amount
investigated.
numerical results were
were investigated.
PCMs (i.e., five typesPCMswith(i.e., five types
melting with melting
temperatures of 29.9–52 ◦ C) wereof
temperatures 29.9–52
filled °C)holes
in the wereoffilled in the
the bricks
validated with
holes
in
an experimental
oneofofthe bricks
three in one of
positions:
model. After that,
three positions:
external, middle orexternal,
the holes
effects
internalmiddle or of the
internal
(Figure
PCMs
holes
9). The
type,
(Figure
results 9).position
showedThethat
results
the
and amount
were investigated.
middle PCMs
showedposition
that (i.e., five
theachieved
middle the types
position
highest withthe
achieved
reduction melting
inhighest
the total temperatures
reduction
heat flux in of 29.9–52
the82.1%)
(i.e., total heat flux°C)
compared (i.e.,were
to the brickfilled in the
82.1%)
compared to the brick without PCMs. In addition, they increased
holes of the bricks in one of three positions: external, middle or internal holes (Figure row
without PCMs. In addition, they increased the amount of PCMs the
in the amount
bricks of
by PCMs
filling in the
another bricks
9). The results
byholes,
of fillingwhich
another row
can be of holes,
either thewhich can or
internal beexternal
either theholes.
internal Theorresults
external holes.that
showed The the
results showed
bricks with
showed thatthat thethe
middle position achievedand the highest reduction in the total heat flux (i.e., 82.1%)
PCMs inbricks with PCMs
the middle in the middle
and external holes achievedexternal holes achieved
the highest reductionthe highest
in the total reduction in the total
heat flux, though the
compared toincrease
theflux,
heat brick
thoughwithout
the PCMs.
increase was In
only addition,
7.92%
was only 7.92% with double the PCM quantity. with they
double increased
the PCM the
quantity. amount of PCMs in the bricks
by filling another row of holes, which can be either the internal or external holes. The results showed
Filling PCMs into brick holes
that the bricks with PCMs in the middle and external holes achieved the highest reduction in the total
heat flux, though the increase was only 7.92% with double the PCM quantity.
Indoor Outdoor
Filling PCMs into brick holes
Figure 9. Filling bricks with the PCMs [24].

Figure 9. Filling bricks with the PCMs [24].
Indoor Shi et al. [25] experimentally investigated the effects of applying macro-encapsulated PCM in Outdoor
Shi et al. [25] experimentally investigated the effects of applying macro-encapsulated PCM in
different positions within concrete walls on the indoor temperature and humidity. The PCM (i.e.,
paraffin with a melting temperature of 20.78 ◦ C) was macro-encapsulated in a stainless-steel box in
paraffin with a melting temperature of 20.78 °C) was macro-encapsulated in a stainless-steel box in
order to increase thermal conductivity, and was tested in three positions; (1) externally bonded, (2)
laminated within the wall or (3) internally bonded (Figure 10). Three model rooms with the dimensions
laminated within the wall or (3) internally
Figure bonded (Figure 10). Three model rooms with the
of 545 × 545 × 560 mm were used9.toFilling
test the bricks with
different the PCMs
positions of PCM [24].
layer, while one other room,
dimensions of 545 × 545 × 560 mm were used to test the different positions of PCM layer, while one
other room, with concrete walls without PCMs, was used as a control. The total thickness of all walls
Shi et al. [25]
in all roomexperimentally investigated
models was controlled the effects
to 60 mm, including of applying macro-encapsulated PCM
all layers. in
Macro-encapsulated PCM
paraffin with a melting temperature of 20.78 °C) was macro-encapsulated
(in stainless steel boxes) in a stainless-steel box in
Shi et al. [25] experimentally investigated the effects of applying macro-encapsulated PCM in
paraffin with a melting temperature of 20.78 °C) was macro-encapsulated in a stainless-steel box in
laminated within the wall or (3) internally bonded (Figure 10). Three model rooms with the
dimensions of 545 × 545 × 560 mm were used to test the different positions of PCM layer, while one
with
otherconcrete
room, with walls withoutwalls
concrete PCMs, was used
without as awas
PCMs, control. The
used as total thickness
a control. of thickness
The total all walls in
ofall
allroom
walls
models was models
in all room controlledwastocontrolled
60 mm, including allincluding
to 60 mm, layers. all layers.
Macro-encapsulated PCM
(in stainless steel boxes)
Concrete wall
Outdoor
Outdoor
Outdoor
Outdoor
Indoor
Indoor
Indoor
Indoor
Sustainability 2019,Control room PEER REVIEW
11, x FOR PCM externally PCM laminated PCM internally 9 of 24
bonded within the wall bonded
The results from Figurethe

Figure 10. threedescription
10. Walls
Walls models showing
description with
showing PCM layers
different
different showed
positions
positions ofofthe less
thePCM fluctuation,
PCMlayer
layer[25].
[25]. and less and
delayed maximum temperatures, compared to the control model, especially during sunny days,
while theThe results from the three models with PCM layers showed less fluctuation, and less and delayed
effects were limited during cloudy days. In addition, the model with PCM laminated within
maximum temperatures, compared to the control model, especially during sunny days, while the
the wall achieved the best temperature reduction (i.e., 4°C) amongst the three models compared to
effects were limited during cloudy days. In addition, the model with PCM laminated within the
the control model, while the model with the internally bonded PCM achieved a better reduction in
wall achieved the best temperature reduction (i.e., 4 ◦ C) amongst the three models compared to the
relative
control model, (i.e.,
humidity while16%). However,
the model with the the authorsbonded
internally mentionedPCM that the three
achieved PCM
a better models
reduction in were tested
relative
on different
humiditydays(i.e.,and
16%).forHowever,
different the
durations
authors and suggested
mentioned that carrying
the three out PCM the test onwere
models the tested
same days
on to
achieve a better
different days comparison.
and for different durations and suggested carrying out the test on the same days to
In another
achieve a betterwork, Jin, Medina, and Zhang [19] experimentally investigated the thermal
comparison.
performanceIn another work,
of three Jin, Medina,
different and Zhang
positions [19] experimentally
of PCMTS using the dynamicinvestigated
wall the thermal performance
simulator. A typical North
American residential wall system was selected for the test, which consists of (1) 12.7American
of three different positions of PCMTS using the dynamic wall simulator. A typical North mm gypsum
residential wall system was selected for the test, which consists of (1) 12.7
wallboard, (2) cardboard, (3) PCMTS (4) two layers of 44.5 mm fiberglass insulation and (5) a 20.5 mm gypsum wallboard,
mm (2) cardboard, (3) PCMTS (4) two layers of 44.5 mm fiberglass insulation and (5) a 20.5 mm oriented
oriented strand board (OSB). A PCMTS layer with cardboard was placed near to the gypsum
strand board (OSB). A PCMTS layer with cardboard was placed near to the gypsum wallboard, near to
wallboard, near to the OSB and between the two insulation layers (Figure 11). The experimental setup
the OSB and between the two insulation layers (Figure 11). The experimental setup was similar to the
was similar to the previous work [27]. The results showed that the higher reduction in the peak heat
previous work [27]. The results showed that the higher reduction in the peak heat fluxes was 11%,
fluxes was
with the11%,
PCMTS with thenear
layer PCMTS
to thelayer
gypsum near to the gypsum
wallboard within thewallboard withinthe
cavity. However, thereduction
cavity. However,
in the
the reduction
peak heat in the was
fluxes peaksmaller
heat fluxes
whenwas smallerlayer
the PCMTS whenwas theplaced
PCMTS layer was
between placed
the two between
insulation the two
layers,
insulation layers,
while there waswhile there
no effect withwas
the no
PCMTSeffect with
layer the PCMTS
placed within the layer
cavity placed
near towithin
OSB. Theythe concluded
cavity near to
OSB.that
They concluded
PCMTS shouldthat PCMTS
be placed should
closer to thebe placed closer
conditioned to the conditioned space.
space.
Two fiberglass insulating layers

44.5mm each
Gypsum wallboard Oriented strand board

12.7mm (OSB) 20.5mm
Indoor Outdoor
3 tested locations of PCM

thermal shields with cardboard
Figure
Figure 11.11. Walllayers
Wall layersdescription
description and
andPCM’s
PCM’spositions
positions[19].
[19].
Lee et al. [26] investigated the thermal performance of building walls integrated with a thin
PCMTS layer in a different position. The experiment was conducted using two 1830 × 1830 × 1220
mm identical test houses. The walls consisted of 9.5 mm plywood siding, five layers of 12.7 mm rigid
foam insulation and 9.5 mm wallboards. In one test house, the PCM layer was installed in the cavity
of the south and the west walls, each in one position for a total of five different positions, starting
Lee et al. [26] investigated the thermal performance of building walls integrated with a thin
PCMTS layer in a different position. The experiment was conducted using two 1830 × 1830 × 1220 mm
identical test houses. The walls consisted of 9.5 mm plywood siding, five layers of 12.7 mm rigid foam
insulation and 9.5 mm wallboards. In one test house, the PCM layer was installed in the cavity of the
south and the west walls, each in one position for a total of five different positions, starting next to the
wallboard (first position) and proceeding between the foam insulation layers towards the exterior side
of the wall (Figure 12). The second test house was used as the control. The indoor environments of
both test houses were air-conditioned.
The results showed that the PCM layer in the south wall melted only partially in Positions 1 and 2
(i.e., close to interior wall surface), while the full melting process occurred in Positions 3, 4 and 5 (i.e.,
close to exterior wall surface). However, the solidification process did not fully occur in Positions 3, 4
and 5. In addition, Position 3 achieved the maximum reduction in peak heat flux (i.e., 52.3%), while
Position 1 achieved maximum peak heat flux delays (i.e., 6.3 h). On the other hand, for the west wall,
Position 2 achieved the maximum peak heat flux reduction and maximum peak hat flux delays (i.e.,
29.7% and 2.3 h, respectively). The heat flux for the west wall was higher compared to the south wall,
thus 11,
Sustainability 2019, the xoptimum
FOR PEER PCM position moved from Position 3 in the south wall to Position 2 in the west wall
REVIEW 10 of 24
(i.e., away from the heat source, to achieve a better melting/freezing cycle).
Five rigid foam insulating

layers 12.7mm each
wallboard Plywood siding

9.5mm 9.5mm
Indoor Outdoor
1 5
2 3 4
Locations of PCM layers
Figure 12. PCMTS position within the wall layers [26].
Figure 12. PCMTS position within the wall layers [26].
Lei, Yang, and Yang [21] numerically investigated the effects of applying PCMs in building
Lei, Yang, andonYang
envelopes reducing the numerically
[21] cooling load in a tropical climate. Athe
investigated model with dimensions
effects of applying × 3000 ×in building
of 3000PCMs
2800 mm, made of 150 mm thick concrete walls, roof, and floor, was used for the simulation. A 10 mm
envelopes on reducing the cooling load in a tropical climate. A model with dimensions of 3000 × 3000
thickness PCMs layer was used on the external surface of the wall as well as the internal surface to find
× 2800 mm, themade ofof150
effects mm layer’s
the PCMs thick position.
concrete Thewalls,
indoorroof, and floor,
environment was used for
was air-conditioned withthe
a setsimulation.
point A 10
◦ ◦
mm thickness of 25PCMsC. Thelayer
meltingwas used onofthe
temperatures theexternal
used PCMssurface of the
were 28 and 26 C wall asexternal
for the well asand the internal surface
internal
layers, respectively. The results showed that the external PCM layer achieved a reduction in the peak
to find the effects of the PCMs layer’s position. The indoor environment was air-conditioned with a
temperature by 3–4 ◦ C and in the yearly envelopes’ heat gain by 21–32%. The PCM layer applied on
set point of 25
the °C. Thesurface
external melting temperatures
achieved lower heat gainofwithin
the used PCMs
the walls wereto28
compared theand 26 °C
case with PCMforlayer
theonexternal and
internal layers, respectively.
the internal surface of The results
the wall. showed
In addition, that minimum
the daily the external PCM was
temperature layer achieved
higher when PCM a reduction in
was applied on the internal surface of the wall, which is attributed
the peak temperature by 3–4 °C and in the yearly envelopes’ heat gain by 21–32%. The to the heat being released to the PCM layer
indoor environment during the solidification process of the PCM.
applied on the external
In additionsurface achieved
to their previous lower
works, heat
Jin et al. [40]gain within
numerically the walls
investigated thecompared
optimum positionto the case with
PCM layer on of athe
thininternal
PCM layersurface of the
in 16 different wall. in
positions Inaaddition, theofdaily
wall consisting 12.7 mm minimum temperature
internal gypsum wallboard, was higher
when PCM was applied on the internal surface of the wall, which is attributed to the heat being
released to the indoor environment during the solidification process of the PCM.
In addition to their previous works, Jin et al. [40] numerically investigated the optimum position
of a thin PCM layer in 16 different positions in a wall consisting of 12.7 mm internal gypsum
89 mm insulation layer and 20.5 mm external oriented strand board (OSB). Assuming that the insulation
layer thickness, L, is divided into 16 parts evenly, the PCM layer can be placed between the gypsum
wallboard and the first part of the insulation layer (referred to as 0/16L), between the first and second
parts of the insulation layers (1/16L), proceeding until the space between the last part of the insulation
layer and the OSB (16/16L). The numerical model was experimentally validated using a dynamic
wall simulator. The investigation involved examining the effects of PCM layer thickness, melting
temperature and the heat of fusion and the internal surface temperature of the wall on the PCM’s
positions and the heat flux of the wall. The results showed the following: 1) the increased PCM layer
thickness caused the optimum position of PCM to move outward, closer to the heat source (i.e., more
PCM can store more heat). However, beyond a certain position, the PCM’s effectiveness is reduced
(i.e., it gets extra heat that keeps the PCM in the liquid state most of the time), 2) the increased PCM’s
melting temperature and PCM’s heat of fusion caused the optimum position of PCM to move outward
(i.e., closer to the outdoor heat), 3) the increased wall interior surface temperature caused the optimum
position of PCM to move inward, closer to the internal environment (i.e., to get enough cooling to
release the heat). However, it must be noted that the optimum position in all the investigated cases
was moving between positions 1/16L and 5/16L, which means that the optimum position of the PCM
layer was still in the internal part of the wall.
Fateh et al. [7] numerically and experimentally tested the PCM layer in four different positions
within a lightweight wall made of XPS insulation. The control wall was made from three layers of
XPS insulation with a total thickness of 33 mm. A PCM DuPont Energain® board of 5 mm thick was
installed in the outer surface (Position 1), between the external and middle XPS layers (Position 2),
between the internal and middle XPS layers (Position 3), or in the inner surface of the wall (Position 4),
test chamber between
resulting twothickness
in a total plates. ofThe upper
38 mm plate,
(Figure which
13). The wall was setwere
samples to the main
tested in antemperature
insulated test of 26.5 °C
and an oscillation
chamber amplitude
between two of 12.5The
plates. °C,upper
simulated the external
plate, which temperature,
was set to the while
main temperature the ◦bottom
of 26.5 C plate,
◦
and an oscillation amplitude of 12.5 C, simulated the external temperature, while the bottom plate,
which was set to 18 °C, simulated the internal temperature. Surface temperatures and heat flux were
which was set to 18 ◦ C, simulated the internal temperature. Surface temperatures and heat flux were
measured and showed
measured a veryagood
and showed agreement
very good agreementwith thenumerical
with the numericaldata. data.
Three XPS insulation layers (11mm each)
Indoor Outdoor
4 1
3 2
Positions of PCM layers
Figure 13. PCM layer position within the XPS insulation wall layers [7].
Figure 13. PCM layer position within the XPS insulation wall layers [7].
The results showed that placing the PCM layer close to the heating source caused a larger variation
in temperature.
The results showed Onthat
the other hand, as
placing the PCM
the PCM layer wasclose
layer placed to
farther
thefrom the heating
heating source
source and
caused a larger
closer to the indoor environment, the XPS insulation layers reduced the temperature fluctuation, which
variation in temperature. On the other hand, as the PCM layer was placed farther from the heating
resulted in a very low variation in PCM layer’s temperatures, causing uncompleted activation of the
source and PCM.
closer to studied
In the the indoor environment,
conditions, they found thatthe
peakXPS insulation
reduction layers
in the thermal reduced
load the intemperature
was achieved
fluctuation,Positions
which2 and resulted in a very
3. They concluded low variation
that integrating in PCM
a PCMs layer layer’s temperatures,
in wall construction is influenced causing
by the PCMs’ melting temperature, climate, wall orientation, and the seasons in which the PCMs are
uncompleted activation of the PCM. In the studded conditions, they found that peak reduction in the
most useful.
thermal load was achieved in Positions 2 and 3. They concluded that integrating a PCMs layer in wall
construction is influenced by the PCMs’ melting temperature, climate, wall orientation, and the
seasons in which the PCMs are most useful.
Gounni and El Alami [22] experimentally investigated the optimal allocation of a PCM layer in
variation in temperature. On the other hand, as the PCM layer was placed farther from the heating
source and closer to the indoor environment, the XPS insulation layers reduced the temperature
fluctuation, which resulted in a very low variation in PCM layer’s temperatures, causing
uncompleted activation of the PCM. In the studded conditions, they found that peak reduction in the
thermal load was achieved in Positions 2 and 3. They concluded that integrating a PCMs layer in wall
construction is influenced by the PCMs’ melting temperature, climate, wall orientation, and the
seasons in which the PCMs are most useful.
Gounni and
Gounni and El El Alami
Alami[22] [22]experimentally
experimentallyinvestigated
investigatedthe theoptimal
optimalallocation
allocationofofa aPCM PCM layer
layer inina
a composite
composite wall
wall using
using a reduced
a reduced scale
scale testtest cell,
cell, i.e.,i.e., × 400
400400 × 400
× 400 × 400
mm,mm, to to allow
allow forfor
moremore flexibility
flexibility in
in testing
testing several
several configurations
configurations of theofwalls.
the walls.
The PCM Thelayer
PCMwas layer was thick
a 5 mm a 5 mm thick
flexible flexible
sheet sheet
containing
containingPCM
composite composite
(i.e., 60%PCM (i.e., 60%
paraffin and 40%paraffin and 40% with
polyethylene) polyethylene) with a melting
a melting temperature rangetemperature
of 21.7–31
◦range
C. Theofheating
21.7–31 °C. The
source washeating sourceincandescent
a controllable was a controllable
lamb in incandescent
the centre of the lamb in the
testing cellcentre of the
representing
testing
the cell representing
outdoor environment,the outdoor
while environment,
the test cell was located whileinside
the test cell was located
a conditioned inside akept
laboratory conditioned
at 15–17
◦laboratory kept at 15–17
C, which represents the°C, which
indoor represents the
environment. indoor
The environment.
first test The first
involved three testeach
walls, involvedof 15three
mm
walls, made
thick, each of of15
two mm woodthick, made
layers of two wall),
(control wood5layers (controlPCM
mm internal wall),and
5 mm10 mminternal PCMwood
external and 10 mm
layers
external woodand
(PCM1-wall), layers
10 mm(PCM1-wall),
internal wood and 10andmm 5 mm internal wood
external PCMandlayers
5 mm(PCM2-wall).
external PCMThe layers (PCM2-
second test
wall). Thefour
involved second
wallstestwith involved
differentfour walls with
positions of thedifferent positions
PCM layers. of thehas
Each wall PCMtwolayers. Each wall
PCM layers and twohas
two PCM
wood layerslayers
with aand total two wood layers
thickness of 30 mm, withordered
a total from
thickness of to
internal 30external
mm, ordered from
as follow; internal
Wall1: wood, to
external
PCM, as follow;
wood, and PCM; Wall1: wood,
Wall2: PCM,
PCM, wood,
wood, and and
PCM, PCM; Wall2:
wood; PCM,two
Wall3: wood,
layersPCM,
wood and wood;
and two Wall3:
layers
two layers
PCM; wood and
and Wall4: two twolayerslayers
PCMPCM; and twoandlayers
Wall4:wood two layers
(FigurePCM14).and two layers wood (Figure 14).
Outdoor
Outdoor
Outdoor
Outdoor
Outdoor
Outdoor
Outdoor
Indoor
Indoor
Indoor
Indoor
Indoor
Indoor
Indoor
Wood
Wood
Wood
Wood
Wood
Wood
PCM
Wood
Wood
Wood
PCM
PCM
PCM
Wood
PCM
PCM
PCM
PCM
PCM
PCM
Wood
Control PCM1 wall PCM2 wall

Wall 1 Wall 2 Wall 3 Wall 4
Test 1 Test 2
Figure
Figure 14. PCM layers’
14. PCM layers’ position
position within
within the
the wall;
wall; First
First test
test (left)
(left) and
and second
second test
test (right)
(right) [22].
[22].
Each ◦ C,
Each test
test was
wasperformed
performedfor
forone
onecomplete
completecycle consists
cycle consists of of
1212
h heating, with
h heating, a set
with point
a set of 38
point of 38
followed
°C, followedby 12
by h12without heating.
h without The
heating. Theresults ofof
results the
thefirst
firsttest
testshowed
showedaatime
timedelay
delayinin temperature
temperature
raising
raising with PCM-walls compared to the control wall and the maximum reduction in
with PCM-walls compared to the control wall and the maximum reduction in the
the wall’s
wall’s
internal surface temperature was achieved with PCM2-wall (i.e., PCM layer close to the heat source).
They linked that to achieving complete melting of the PCM layer on the external surface of the wall
compared to partial melting on the internal surface of the wall. Similar results were obtained from the
second test, where Wall1 and Wall3 achieved the lowest internal surface temperatures and peak heat
flux. In both walls, the PCM layers were placed towards the outdoor environment, close to the heat
source. However, Wall1, which has PCM layers distributed in the wall, achieved a better performance
than Wall3, which has two PCM layers placed in the external wall.
L. Zhu et al. [20] numerically investigated the influence of the position, thickness, and orientation
of the PCMs layer on the indoor thermal discomfort during summer in north China. A model room,
i.e., 2400 × 2400 × 2400 mm, was used and made of 100 mm thick modular prefabricated EPS panels,
covered by two 0.5 mm thick colour steel sheets on each side. An organic PCM (i.e., RT26) was placed
in a 2200 × 2200 mm steel container with various thicknesses inside the EPS panel. The optimum
position of PCM layer, with a thickness of 5 mm, was investigated in the walls, roof, and floor in
three positions; in the internal surface (Case 1), in the middle (Case 2), and in the external surface
(Case 3), as shown in Figure 15. The simulation was conducted for five days (i.e., 6–10 July), using
the meteorological weather data of Tianjin, and the last day was used for analysis. The simulation
was validated experimentally in the outdoor environment using a modular prefabricated EPS panel
with a PCM layer (i.e., RT 42 with a melting point of 42 ◦ C) placed on the exterior surface, and the
results showed good agreement. The effect of the PCM layer was numerically investigated in the
six orientations.
using the meteorological weather data of Tianjin, and the last day was used for analysis. The
simulation was validated experimentally in the outdoor environment using a modular prefabricated
EPS panel with a PCM layer (i.e., RT 42 with a melting point of 42 °C) placed on the exterior surface,
and the results showed good agreement. The effect of the PCM layer was numerically investigated
in the six orientations.
Outdoor
Outdoor
Outdoor
Indoor
Indoor
Indoor
EPS
EPS
EPS
EPS
PCM macroencapsulated
in steel container 5mm
Case 1 Case 2 Case 3

Figure 15. PCM layer position within the wall’s EPS layers [20].
Figure 15. PCM layer position within the wall’s EPS layers [20].
The results showed an improvement in thermal comfort when using the PCM layer. In addition,
The
Case results
1, in which showed
the PCM anlayer
improvement
was placed in inthe
thermal
internalcomfort
surface ofwhen using
the wall, the PCM
achieved betterlayer.
indoorIn addition,
◦
Case air1, in which the
temperature PCM layer
reduction in most was placed in(i.e.,
orientations thetheinternal
maximum surface of the
reduction wall,Cachieved
of 5.07 was seen in better indoor
the roof). However, in Case 3, in which the PCM layer was placed
air temperature reduction in most orientations (i.e., the maximum reduction of 5.07 °C was seen in in the external surface of the wall,
a quick phase transition process was observed, resulting in less indoor air temperature reduction (i.e., a
the roof). However, in Case 3, in which the PCM layer was placed in the external surface of the wall,
maximum reduction of 1.80 ◦ C was seen in the floor). In addition, they mentioned that the PCM layer
a quick phase
in Case 3 didtransition
not absorbprocess was the
the heat from observed, resulting in
indoor environment; lessitindoor
rather, air temperature
only reduced the heat releasedreduction (i.e.,
a maximum
to the indoor reduction
environment of 1.80 °C was
coming fromseen in the
outdoors. floor). In the
Furthermore, addition,
authors they
addedmentioned
two indicators, that the PCM
layernamely
in Case 3 did overheating
summer not absorbdiscomfort
the heat and from the indoor
cumulative environment;
discomfort rather,
duration; both it onlyshowed
indicators reduced the heat
that
released2019,
Sustainability Case
to 11, 1 was
thex FOR the
indoor best case
PEERenvironment
REVIEWamong the three studied positions.
coming from outdoors. Furthermore, the authors added 13 of 24two
Sun et al. [49] experimentally and numerically investigated the effects of a PCM layer in five
indicators, namely summer overheating discomfort and cumulative discomfort duration; both
different locations in the wall for the hot summer and cold winter of Changsha, China. The control
sheet and used
indicators to simulate
showed that Case the 1solar radiation on among
the wall. theThe indoor airpositions.
temperature was kept
wall specimen consisted of fivewas
20 mm the bestXPS
thick casesheets and two 8three
mm thickstudied
gypsum wallboards for
betweenSun 16–26 et °C
al. as
[49]the heating
experimentally and cooling
and set points,
numerically respectively.
investigated
the external and internal surfaces, forming a total thickness of 116 mm, while the width and the effects of athePCMheightlayer in five
Thewere
different results
locations
500 and demonstrated
900in mm, wallthat
therespectively.
for thethe hotmaximum
summer
Paraffin-based PCM,temperature
and cold
with winter
a transition reduction
of Changsha,
temperature achieved China.
of 27–29 during
◦ C, the
The control
summer
wall was wasencapsulated
specimen withconsisted
the PCM-sheet
in spheres
of fivemadein the
20of
mm third
thickposition,
high-density XPS while
polyethylene
sheets and ittwo
with was in the
an8external
mm fourth
diameter
thick position
of
gypsum 25 mm. during for
wallboards
winter A total of 90 PCM spheres were integrated into one XPS sheet to produce a PCM sphere-integrated
the (i.e., closer
external and tointernal
the internal surface).
surfaces, formingAs heat is required
a total thickness during
of 116the mm, winter,
whilethe theoptimum
width and position
the height
sheet, which was used to replace one layer of the five XPS sheets at a time, starting from Position 1
of the PCM-sheet
were near
500 the was
andexternal
900 mm, moved closer
respectively. to the indoor environment to benefit from the stored heat forwas
surface and movingParaffin-based
to Position 5 nearPCM, with surface,
the internal a transition
(Figure temperature of 27–29 °C,
16). Three heating
heating. However,
encapsulated
films, connected for tothe
in spheres entire
made
voltage year,
of thewere
high-density
transformer, third position
polyethylene
placed between was the
thewith optimum
gypsumone.
an external
external They
diameter
board stated
and theof first
25 mm.that A
thetotal
optimum
of 90XPS PCM’s
PCM sheet position
spheres
and used toissimulate
were the closest
integrated one
into
the solar toonetheXPS
radiation indoorsheet
on the environment,
wall.toTheproduce
indoor air awhich
PCM allows forkept
a complete
sphere-integrated
temperature was sheet,
◦
phase transition
between of
16–26the C PCM.
as the heating and cooling set points, respectively.
which was used to replace one layer of the five XPS sheets at a time, starting from Position 1 near the
external surface and moving to Position 5 near the internal surface, (Figure 16). Three heating films,
Five XPS sheets
connected to voltage transformer, were placed between20the mmexternal
each gypsum board and the first XPS
Gypsum Gypsum
wallboard wallboard
8mm 8mm
Indoor Outdoor
PCM sphere-integrated
sheet 5 1
4 3 2
(a) (b) Positions of PCM
sphere-integrated sheet
Figure 16. (a) PCM sphere-integrated sheet and (b) positions of the PCM sheet within the wall [49].
Figure 16. (a) PCM sphere-integrated sheet and (b) positions of the PCM sheet within the wall [49].
Cao et al. [50] numerically investigated the thermal performance of a PCM-based multi-layer
wall in the climatic conditions of Oslo, Norway. The control wall was made of two 100 mm thick
geopolymer concrete layers with a 50 mm thick insulation layer in between. Micro-encapsulated
The results demonstrated that the maximum temperature reduction achieved during the summer
was with the PCM-sheet in the third position, while it was in the fourth position during winter (i.e.,
closer to the internal surface). As heat is required during the winter, the optimum position of the
PCM-sheet was moved closer to the indoor environment to benefit from the stored heat for heating.
However, for the entire year, the third position was the optimum one. They stated that the optimum
PCM’s position is the closest one to the indoor environment, which allows for a complete phase
transition of the PCM.
Cao et al. [50] numerically investigated the thermal performance of a PCM-based multi-layer
wall in the climatic conditions of Oslo, Norway. The control wall was made of two 100 mm thick
geopolymer concrete layers with a 50 mm thick insulation layer in between. Micro-encapsulated PCM,
with a melting point of 21.9 ◦ C, was integrated into geopolymer concrete and its thermal properties
were determined in [47]. The PCM-based geopolymer concrete was used to replace the geopolymer
concrete layers in the control wall to produce the PCM-based wall. In addition, a PCM layer (RT21,
Rubitherm, Germany) with a melting temperature of 21 ◦ C and various thicknesses in the range 0–50
mm was integrated within the PCM-based geopolymer concrete layers close to the insulation layer (i.e.,
within the external layer for Position 1 or within the internal layer for Position 2) as shown in Figure 17.
The indoor environment was kept within the comfort range of 19–21 ◦ C. The results indicated that
a higher reduction in the annual energy is achieved with more PCMs additions. For instance, the
reduction was 13% with the use of PCM-based geopolymer concrete layers, while it increased to a
maximum of 28% with the addition of a 50 mm PCM layer. In addition, the PCM layer in Position 1,
closer to the outdoor environment, has a higher energy reduction, while in Position 2 the reduction
was less, which was attributed to the lower temperature variations compared to the melting range,
that minimizes the PCM’s performance.
PCM-based PCM-based
Geopolymer concrete geopolymer concrete geopolymer concrete
Insulation Insulation PCMs Insulation

layer layer layer layer
Indoor Outdoor Indoor Outdoor Indoor Outdoor
(a) Control (b) Position 1 (c) Position 2
Figure 17. Figure 17. (a) Geopolymer concrete wall (control), (b,c) PCM layer positions [50].
A summary of the reviewed works, ordered by the number of the investigated positions of the
PCM layer, is included in Table 1.
Storing heat in order to remove it

Internal
External
surface
surface
Storing heat in order to reuse it Wall (works as a thermal insulation)

section
Cold regions or winter time Hot regions or summer time

Climatic conditions (heating is required) (heat is unwanted)
Reduce internal heat (daytime) Reduce external heat gain
and reuse it (nighttime)
Application target
Absorb external heat (daytime)
Free cooling - night ventilation

Outdoor
Indoor environment (PCMs move closer to cooling)

Indoor
Mechanical cooling
(PCMs move away from cooling)
Thermal properties Higher thermal resistance
of wall materials (PCMs move closer to heat source)
Wall orientation and Higher incident solar radiation

incident solar radiation (PCMs move away from heat source)
Table 1. Summary of the reviewed works that addressed the optimum position of PCMs in the building’s walls, ordered based on the number of investigated
PCMs positions.
Author Year Type of Study and Period Country and Climate PCMs Position PCMs Type and Properties Indoor Environment Findings
• PCM on the inner surface of the

wall achieved better peak
Macro-encapsulated PCMs. indoor temperature reduction
Two different types; capric Three scenarios
and time delay;
acid for the external surface of • Free cooling; • Night ventilation and forced
Fieldwork testing (27 Tianjin, China, (hot Two positions: wall’s
the wall and a mixture of • Night ventilation; ventilation further improved the
Kong et al. [18] 2013 August 2012 to 10 and dry summer and inner surface and the
capric acid and 1-dodecanol • Night performance of PCM on the
September 2012) cold winter) outer surface.
for the internal surface of the forced ventilation. inner surface of the wall;
wall to reduce the freezing • PCM on the external surface of
range. the walls have a role of
thermal insulation.
• External SSPCM reduced

external heat gain in summer
(reduced cooling load);
• Internal SSPCM stored the extra
Double-layer shape-stabilized indoor heat in winter (reduced
PCMs wallboard (SSPCM) heating load);
Air-conditioned 7:00 to
Two positions: wall’s paraffin and high-density • Indoor temperature influences
Simulation China (five typical 18:00 (office building) set
Zhu et al. [48] 2016 inner surface and the polyethylene/expanded
(year-round application) climate regions) point 26 ◦ C for summer and the optimum melting
outer surface. graphite. Two different
18 ◦ C for winter. temperature of internal PCM
melting temperatures for layer, while the outdoor
summer and winter. ambient temperature influences
the optimum melting
temperature of external
PCM layer.
• The PCM applied on the

external surface achieved lower
Numerical Two positions: wall’s 10 mm thickness PCMs layer heat gain within the walls;
Singapore, Tropical Air-conditioned (set point • The daily minimum
Lei et al. [21] 2016 A daily and a monthly inner surface and the (28 ◦ C for outer surface and
climate 25 ◦ C). temperature was higher when
reduction outer surface. 26 ◦ C for inner surface).
PCM were applied on the
internal surface of the wall.
Table 1. Cont.
• A higher reduction in the annual

energy is achieved with more PCM
(using a 50 mm thick layer);
Two positions: 50 mm Various thicknesses 0–50 mm • The PCM layer closer to the outdoor
Air-conditioned, kept
from the outer surface PCM layer (RT21, Rubitherm, environment has a higher energy
Cao et al. [50] 2019 Numerical Oslo, Norway within the comfort range of
and 50 mm from the Germany) with a melting reduction while the PCM layer closer to
(19–21 ◦ C).
inner surface. temperature of 21 ◦ C. the indoor environment receives less
temperature variation, which
minimizes its performance.
Three positions: • PCM layer in position two-thirds from

Numerical (Mathematical internal layer, PCMs composite wallboard 20 ◦ C for the heating season the internal surface of the wall achieved
USA, Various climate the best results in peak load shifting
Zwanzig et al. [23] 2013 model) two-thirds from with a melting temperature and 24 ◦ C for the cooling
zones and reductions during both heating
All-season internal and near range 25–27.5 ◦ C. season.
external layer). and cooling seasons.
• The middle position achieved the

Five types of PCMs with highest reduction in the total heat flux;
Three positions:
melting temperatures varying • The addition of PCMs to external holes
PCMs were filled in
Numerical and laboratory Algeria, Ouargla Hot between 29–52 ◦ C Paraffin, Internal temperature equal achieved a 7.92% improvement to the
Hichem et al. [24] 2013 the brick’s external,
experiment arid areas and a melting temperature of to 27 ◦ C. PCMs in the middle position only and
middle and internal
52–54 ◦ C, was used for was better than the addition of PCMs to
holes.
experimental investigation. internal holes.
• Models with PCM showed less

Three positions in fluctuation and less and delayed
concrete walls: maximum temperatures, especially
Fieldwork testing Macro-encapsulated PCMs,
externally bonded, during sunny days;
Shi et al. [25] 2014 Total of 18 days during Shenzhen, China paraffin in metal containers. Free running.
laminated within the • The model with PCM laminated within
April and May 2012 Melting range 20.78–25.09 ◦ C
wall and internally the wall achieved the best
bonded. thermal reduction.
Table 1. Cont.
• A higher reduction in the peak heat

Three positions within fluxes was achieved with the PCMTS
PCMs thermal shields layer near to the internal layer within
the wall cavity: next to Wall simulator was located
(PCMTSs) n-octadecane the cavity;
Jin et al. [19] 2014 Laboratory experiment - the internal layer, in in an air-conditioned
(organic paraffin) with a • PCMTS should be placed closer to the
the middle and next to laboratory (22–24 ◦ C).
melting range 26–28 ◦ C. conditioned space to help in the heat
the external layer.
discharge process.
• The internal PCM layer achieved a

better reduction in indoor air
temperature and the best performance
Three positions: Organic PCM, RT26 (absorbed internal and external heat);
Numerical and fieldwork
(internal surface, in macro-encapsulated in a steel • External PCM layer near the heating
L. Zhu et al. [20] 2018 experiment validation North China -Tianjin Free running.
the middle and container thicknesses source received quick phase transition
(five days)
external surface). (2.5–5–7.5 mm). resulting in less reduction in indoor air
temperature (absorbed only external
heat).
• The internal PCM layer did not fully

Four positions: activate due to XPS insulation;
internal surface, an • The external PCM layer caused a large
Numerical and laboratory PCM DuPont Energain® variation in temperature;
Fateh et al. [7] 2017 - external surface, and Set to 18 ◦ C.
experiment validation board of 5 mm thick. • Peak reduction in the thermal load was
two positions within
the wall. achieved in Positions 2 and 3 (within
the wall).
• A time delay in temperature raising

Four positions: was observed with PCM-walls;
Composite PCM (60% • A better reduction was achieved when
internal, external,
paraffin and 40% the PCM layer was placed in the
Laboratory experiment internal and before the Air-conditioned laboratory
Gounni et al. [22] 2017 - polyethylene) in 5mm flexible external surface close to a heat source;
(one day) external, and external kept at (15–17 ◦ C).
sheet Melting range 21.7–31 • Distributing PCM in the external and
and before the ◦ C.
internal. before the internal layer achieved the
best performance.
Table 1. Cont.
• Heat flux for the west wall was higher

than the south wall, thus the optimum
Five different PCM position moved from Position 3
Hydrated salt-based PCMs (near the middle) in the south wall to
positions within the
Lee et al. [26] 2015 Fieldwork testing Lawrence, KS, USA with melting temperatures in Air-conditioned. Position 2 (towards the internal) in the
wall cavity (Only
the range of 24.79–31.36 ◦ C. west wall (i.e., away from the heat
south and west walls).
source to achieve better
melting/freezing cycle).
• Maximum temperature reduction

during summer in the third position
(from outdoors);
Five different • Maximum temperature reduction
Paraffin-based PCM, during winter in the fourth position
positions within the
Changsha, China, Hot transition temperature 27–29 Float between heating (set (closer to indoors to use the heat);
Laboratory experiment and wall (replacing one ◦ C, encapsulated in 25 mm
Sun et al. [49] 2019 summer and cold point 16 ◦ C) and cooling (set • The third position was optimum for the
numerical investigation layer of the five
winter high-density polyethylene point 26 ◦ C). entire year;
internal XPS layers of
spheres. • The optimum PCM position is the
the wall).
closest to the indoor environment, that
allows for a complete phase transition
of the PCM.
• PCM in the second position from the

internal surface achieved better
PCMs thermal shields performance. followed by the
Six different positions Wall simulator was located
(PCMTSs) hydrated salt, with first position;
Jin et al. [27] 2013 Laboratory experiment - within a wall cavity in an air-conditioned
melting temperature range of • PCM close to the external surface fully
(Cavity divided by 5). laboratory (22–24 ◦ C).
24–34 ◦ C. melted but did not fully solidify due to
the heat source.
• The optimum position of PCM moves

towards the exterior surface of the wall
with greater PCM thickness, higher
melting temperatures and higher heat
Numerical and laboratory 16 different positions Rubitherm RT27, with of fusion;
Jin et al. [40] 2016 - Air-conditioned.
experiment validation within the wall cavity. melting temperature 27 ◦ C. • The optimum position of PCM moves
towards the interior surface of the wall
with increasing wall interior
surface temperature.
4. Discussion
Several studies investigated the influence of the PCMs’ application in different positions within
building walls, with the aim of locating the optimum position. However, different results were obtained.
Table 2 summarizes the obtained optimum position for the PCMs application in the reviewed works,
including some of the influential parameters. To facilitate the comparison between the results, the wall
was assumed to have five regions, namely the inner surface, the inner part, the middle part, the outer
part, and the outer surface. Then the optimum position was transferred to the new wall from the
reviewed works based on the original walls’ dimensions. Based on Table 2, it can be observed that 43%
of the optimum positions were obtained in the internal parts of the wall (i.e., the inner surface and
the inner part) compared to 28.5% in the middle part and 28.5% in the external parts (i.e., the outer
part and the outer surface). In addition, 56% of the walls, which are made of insulation materials,
achieved the optimum position in the internal parts compared to 22% in the middle part and 22%
in the external parts, while most of the walls, which are made of low thermally resistant materials,
achieved the optimum position in the external parts. Moreover, the optimum position was achieved
on the inner surface of the wall only with the free-running indoor environments.
Table 2. A summary of the obtained optimum position of the PCMs’ application in the reviewed works,
including some of the influential parameters.
Climate and (Investigated

Reviewed Work Indoor Environment Wall Materials Optimum Position
Weather Conditions)
Hot summer/cold winter Free running/night
Kong et al. [18] Perforated bricks Inner surface
(Summer) ventilation
Lei et al. [21] Tropical (Year-round) Mechanical cooling Concrete Outer surface
Very hot summer/mild Geopolymer concrete +
Cao et al. [50] Mechanical cooling Outer part
winter (All seasons) Insulation Materials
Various climate zones (All
Zwanzig et al. [23] Mech. heating/cooling Insulation Materials Outer part
seasons)
Very hot summer/mild
Hichem et al. [24] Mechanical cooling Bricks Middle part
winter (Summer)
Mild summer and winter
Shi et al. [25] Free-running Concrete Middle part
(April)
Fixed condition (laboratory
Jin et al. [19] Mechanical cooling Insulation Materials Inner part
testing)
Hot summer/cold winter
L. Zhu et al. [20] Free-running Insulation Materials Inner surface
(Summer)
Fateh et al. [7] Fixed temperature Insulation Materials Middle part
testing)
Gounni et al. [22] Mechanical cooling Wood Outer part
testing)
Lee et al. [26] Mech. heating/cooling Insulation Materials Inner part
(Summer)
Sun et al. [49] Mech. heating/cooling Insulation Materials Middle part
(Year-round)
testing)
testing)
Even though different optimum positions were obtained in the conducted studies, performing
a complete daily melting/freezing cycle was a key element to achieve the best thermal performance
and the optimum position of the PCMs’ application. Therefore, the optimum position of the PCMs’
application in the wall is the position that provides adequate heating for the PCMs to fully melt
during the day-time, then adequate cooling in order for them to fully freeze during the night-time.
Many parameters might influence this process and, therefore, can be categorized into two groups:
external parameters and internal parameters, (Figure 18). The external parameters include climate
optimum position of PCM application. For instance, in the hot regions or during summer, the
optimum position of the PCM layer is in the external part of the wall, [21,48], as the application target
is to reduce the external heat gain in the indoor environment. Basically, the PCM layer absorbs the
unwanted external heat, which is received by the wall, during day-time, and releases it back to the
outdoor environment
Sustainability 2020, 12, 1294 during night-time. In addition, the low thermal conductivity of the 20 PCMs
of 25
provides a sort of thermal insulation. However, when the PCM layer is applied in the internal part of
the wall, it will release the heat back to the indoor environment during night-time, causing
and weather Nevertheless,
overheating. conditions (i.e., thishot or coldcan
scenario regions and
be used to summer
reduce theorhigh
winter times),indoor
day-time application target
temperature
(i.e., reduction in indoor temperature fluctuation, storing and reuse of heat,
if proper night ventilation is applied to remove the released heat during night-time. On the other reduction in internal
heat
hand,gain,
in theorcold
reduction
regionsinorexternal
during heat gain),
winter, the indoor
optimumenvironment
position of(i.e., mechanical
the PCM layer iscooling and/or
in the internal
heating, free-running or all-day/night mechanical ventilation), and the wall’s orientation
part of the wall, as the application target, in this case, is to store and reuse the heat. The internal PCM and materials.
In contrast,
layer absorbs thetheinternal parameters
heat from the outdoorinclude the PCMs
environment orthermal properties
the produced (i.e.,
heat in themelting and freezing
indoor environment
points,
during enthalpy
day-time or andheat of fusion,
releases thermal
it back conductivity,
to the indoor and specific
environment duringheat capacity),
night-time, and enhances
which the PCM
quantity and layer’s thickness.
the indoor thermal environment and reduces the heating load.
Parameters influencing the optimum

position of PCMs application
External Parameters Internal Parameters
Climate and weather Indoor environment PCMs thermal properties

Hot or cold regions Mechanical cooling and/or Melting and freezing points
heating
Summer or winter seasons Heat of fusion (enthalpy)
Free-running
Application target All-day/night mechanical Thermal conductivity

ventilation
Store and reuse the heat Specific heat capacity
(reduce heating load) Wall orientation
Reduce internal/external PCMs quantity and layer
Wall materials
heat gain (remove heat and thickness
reduce cooling load) High thermal resistance
Store energy during low (Insulation)
rate periods for the high Low thermal resistance
rate periods (Concrete, bricks, ..etc)
Main parameters
Figure 18. Main parametersthat
thatinfluence
influence
thethe optimum
optimum position
position of PCM
of the the PCM application
application in building
in building walls.
walls.
Climate and weather conditions influence the PCM application target. This, in turn, affects the
optimum positionenvironment
The indoor of PCM application. Forthe
influences instance, in the
freezing hot regions
process of PCMs or and
during summer,
their the optimum
heat discharge. For
position
instance,ofanthe PCM layer is inindoor
air-conditioned the external part of the
environment wall,
might [21,48],
cause the as
PCMthe application
layer to move target
away is to reduce
from the
the external
internal heatofgain
surface the in the The
wall. indoor environment.
internal cooling canBasically, the melting
affect the PCM layer absorbs
process andthe unwanted
cause partial
external
activationheat,
of thewhich
PCM,iswhich
received by the
reduces wall, during
its efficiency. day-time,
Besides, if the and releases
indoor it back is
environment tonot
theadequate
outdoor
environment
to enhance the during night-time.
freezing processInof addition,
the PCM, the especially
low thermal conductivity
with of the PCMs
a free running mode,provides
the optimuma sort
of thermal
position of insulation.
the PCM layerHowever, when
will move the PCM
closer to thelayer is applied
outdoor in the internal
environment, which part of the
is cooler wall, night-
during it will
release
time andthecan
heatenhance
back to the indoor
freezing environment
process, as during
seen innight-time, causing overheating.
[24,25]. However, by introducing Nevertheless,
the cooler
this scenario
outdoor can be used
air through the to reduce
night the high to
ventilation day-time indoor
the indoor temperaturethe
environment, if proper
optimum night ventilation
position of theis
applied
PCM layerto remove
might betheclose
released
to theheat duringsurface,
internal night-time.
as inOn theMoreover,
[18]. other hand, in the
if the cold regions
indoor or during
environment has
winter,
adequate theheat
optimum position
to charge theofPCMthe PCM
layer,layer
theisoptimum
in the internal part will
position of thebewall, as the
closer to application
the indoor
target, in this case, is to store and reuse the heat. The internal PCM layer absorbs the heat from the
outdoor environment or the produced heat in the indoor environment during day-time and releases it
back to the indoor environment during night-time, which enhances the indoor thermal environment
and reduces the heating load.
The indoor environment influences the freezing process of PCMs and their heat discharge.
For instance, an air-conditioned indoor environment might cause the PCM layer to move away from
the internal surface of the wall. The internal cooling can affect the melting process and cause partial
activation of the PCM, which reduces its efficiency. Besides, if the indoor environment is not adequate
to enhance the freezing process of the PCM, especially with a free running mode, the optimum position
of the PCM layer will move closer to the outdoor environment, which is cooler during night-time and
can enhance the freezing process, as seen in [24,25]. However, by introducing the cooler outdoor air
through the night ventilation to the indoor environment, the optimum position of the PCM layer might
be close to the internal surface, as in [18]. Moreover, if the indoor environment has adequate heat to
charge the PCM layer, the optimum position will be closer to the indoor environment, otherwise the
optimum position will move outward, closer to the heat source in the outdoor environment.
The orientation and the materials of the wall can control the amount of heat received and conducted
through the wall, respectively. Therefore, in both cases, the optimum position of the PCM layer might
move inwards or outwards to achieve the required heating and cooling for the PCM. Depending on
wall orientation, for instance, the amount of heat received by the wall and the heat flux through the
wall will be different. This results in different optimum positions for each orientation, as found in [26].
On the other hand, the wall materials, (i.e., brick, concrete, lightweight materials, thermal insulation,
etc.), will affect the heat conduction through the wall section due to the different thermal resistance
of each material. For example, the optimum position of the PCM layer was obtained close to the
indoor environment in [19,20,26,40,49], in which the walls were made of insulation layers. This might
be attributed to the effect of the insulation layers on reducing the required
PCM-based cooling from the indoor
PCM-based
Geopolymer concrete geopolymer concrete geopolymer concrete
environment for the PCM freezing process. However, the optimum position of the PCM layer will
move outwards if the insulation layers of the wall caused the internal PCMs layer to not fully activate,
Insulation Insulation PCMs Insulation
as in [7]. layer layer layer layer
Furthermore, the internal parameters have an influence similar to the influence of the wall
orientation and materials. For instance, a higher PCM melting temperature influences the optimum
Indoor Outdoor Indoor Outdoor Indoor Outdoor
position of the PCM layer to move outwards, closer to the heat source, to get a higher temperature that
enables a complete charging process. A higher PCM heat of fusion or enthalpy, and a higher PCM
quantity and layer’s (a) thickness,
Control increases the (b)heat storage
Position 1 capacity of the(c) PCM,
Positionwhich
2 influences the
optimum position of the PCM layer to move outwards, close to the heat source, as well. However,
beyondFigure 17. position, the solidification process might be affected, causing a reduction in PCM
a specific
performance. Therefore, based on the above discussion, the PCM layer is required to be in a
position that exactly provides the required heating and cooling for the PCMs’ melting and freezing
processes, respectively.
Figure 19 illustrates a summary of the main findings showing the optimum position of PCMs’
application in building walls based on the influences of the discussed parameters.
Storing heat in order to remove it

Internal
External
surface
surface
Storing heat in order to reuse it Wall (works as a thermal insulation)

section
Cold regions or winter time Hot regions or summer time

Climatic conditions (heating is required) (heat is unwanted)
Reduce internal heat (daytime) Reduce external heat gain
Application target
Absorb external heat (daytime)
Free cooling - night ventilation

Outdoor
Indoor environment (PCMs move closer to cooling)

Indoor
Mechanical cooling
(PCMs move away from cooling)
Thermal properties Higher thermal resistance
of wall materials (PCMs move closer to heat source)
Wall orientation and Higher incident solar radiation

incident solar radiation (PCMs move away from heat source)
Higher melting temperature
PCMs properties and heat of fusion
(PCMs move closer to heat source)
Higher quantity
PCMs quantity (PCMs move closer to heat source)
Cause PCMs layer to move inward or outward

to find the adequate heating and cooling for
complete daily melting and freezing
Figure
Figure 19.19.
A summary of the main findings showing the optimum position of the PCM’s application in
building walls, based on several influential parameters.
Finally, selecting the optimum position of the PCMs’ application in building walls can be a
complicated process since it involves the influences of all the above parameters, which are connected
and linked to each other, and changing any of them will affect the other parameters. Besides, it is
important to mention that the optimum position of the PCMs application is not only the position that
allows for the complete thermal cycle, but also the best thermal performance of the indoor environments
with the lowest PCM application. Therefore, for each project, an optimization process is suggested in
advance, using the available simulation tools and involving all the mentioned parameters. By doing
so, the optimum position of the PCMs application, which achieves the best thermal performance,
can be located.
5. Conclusions
Thermal energy storage (TES) and phase change materials (PCMs) are promising passive
technologies that aim at improving the building materials’ thermal performance and achieving
thermally comfortable conditions within the indoor environment. This study reviewed TES and PCMs
technologies and their application in buildings. In addition, PCMs’ classification, selection requirements
for building applications and integration technologies to building materials were discussed. The study
also reviewed previous works, which investigated PCMs’ application in building walls with a focus
on the optimum position of the PCMs’ application in the wall. Based on the review of the literature,
it can be concluded that the optimum position of the PCMs’ application in building walls can vary
in different projects. The PCMs’ performance efficiency is highly dependent on performing a daily
complete melting/freezing cycle in order to be ready for the next cycle the following day. Otherwise,
the PCMs will stay either in the solid-state or the liquid-state most of the time, causing a reduction in
their performance. Therefore, the optimum position of the PCMs’ application in building walls is the
position at which the daily complete melting/freezing cycle can be achieved. This might be influenced
by many parameters such as:
• Climate and weather conditions: in hot regions or during the summer, in which cooling is needed,
PCMs application might be required closer to the outdoor environment. However, in cold regions
or during the winter, in which heating is needed, PCMs application might be required closer to
the indoor environment;
• Application target: reducing the external heat gain requires the PCMs to be applied towards
the external surface of the wall, while reducing the internal heat gain and indoor temperature
fluctuation requires the PCMs to be applied towards the internal surface of the wall;
• Indoor environment: applying free cooling, night ventilation or mechanical cooling/heating in the
internal environment can affect the PCMs’ solidification process, causing the optimum position to
vary within the wall;
• Thermal properties of wall materials: a higher thermal resistance of wall materials can reduce
the heat and coolness transfer to PCMs. This might cause the PCMs’ optimum position to move
outwards, closer to the heat source, or inward, closer to the conditioned indoor environment;
• Orientation and the incident solar radiation: the optimum position of PCMs within a south-facing
wall might differ from the west-facing wall due to the difference in the heat received by the walls;
• PCMs properties: a higher PCM’s melting temperature and a higher heat of fusion require the
PCM to be closer to the heat source, i.e., closer to the external surface of the wall, up to a specific
position that allows for full freezing as well;
• PCMs’ quantity: a higher PCM quantity results in a higher thermal storage capacity. This will
require more heat to be stored, which indicates that PCM might need to be applied near the
external surface.
Therefore, for any PCMs application in building’s walls, an evaluation with the help of simulation
tools is suggested based on the parameters discussed above to locate the optimum position for the
PCMs application.
Author Contributions: All authors contributed equally to this research. All authors have read and agreed to the
published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by Universiti Sains Malaysia, Research University Grant number
(1001/PPBGN/814285).
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering,
Sana’a University, and School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia for financial support.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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sustainability

Sustainability 2020, 12, 1294; doi:10.3390/su12041294 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

2. Thermal Energy Storage (TES)

3. Phase Change Materials (PCMS)

Phase Change Materials

Organic PCM Inorganic PCM Eutectic PCM

Paraffinic PCMs Salt Hydrates Organic-Organic

Non-paraffinic PCMs Metalics Inorganic-Inorganic

Fatty acids Esters Alcohols Glycols Organic-Inorganic

Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 24

PCMs selection requirements

Thermodynamic Technical &

Transition temperature Long-term chemical Super-cooling (sub- Applicability,

Higher latent heat of Non-explosive

Physical stability with

Consistent melting and

Phase Change Materials

Direct incorporation Impregnation of Encapsulation of Stabilization of

Solid PCM Macro- Shape-

Liquid PCM Micro/Nano- Form-

Sustainability 2020, 12, 1294 6 of 25

Outdoor Indoor Outdoor Indoor

Double SSPCMs wallboard Reference wallboard

3.2. Investigation ofDouble

The PCMs’ position in building

Polystyrene board Polystyrene board Polystyrene board

Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 24

Five insulating layers

Gypsum wallboard Oriented strand board

Figure 7.Figure PCM thermal

Figure 8. Positions of the PCM layer within the wall [23].

Filling PCMs into brick holes

Figure 9. Filling bricks with the PCMs [24].

The results from Figurethe

Two fiberglass insulating layers

Gypsum wallboard Oriented strand board

3 tested locations of PCM

Five rigid foam insulating

wallboard Plywood siding

Three XPS insulation layers (11mm each)

Control PCM1 wall PCM2 wall

Case 1 Case 2 Case 3

Insulation Insulation PCMs Insulation

Indoor Outdoor Indoor Outdoor Indoor Outdoor

(a) Control (b) Position 1 (c) Position 2

Storing heat in order to remove it

Storing heat in order to reuse it Wall (works as a thermal insulation)

Cold regions or winter time Hot regions or summer time

Free cooling - night ventilation

Indoor environment (PCMs move closer to cooling)

Wall orientation and Higher incident solar radiation

• PCM on the inner surface of the

• External SSPCM reduced

• The PCM applied on the

• A higher reduction in the annual

Three positions: • PCM layer in position two-thirds from

• The middle position achieved the

• Models with PCM showed less

• A higher reduction in the peak heat

• The internal PCM layer achieved a

• The internal PCM layer did not fully

• A time delay in temperature raising

• Heat flux for the west wall was higher