The Impact of Integrating Phase Change Material upon Indoor Air Temperature in Hot Climates

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to identify the effect of PCM as a building material of commercial building envelope on the indoor air temperature within a hot climatic context as Egypt. This paper will expose the potentials of using Phase Change Material (PCM) as an integral part of the building process to save energy, where it first introduces the current environmental challenges and identifies the impact of Thermal Energy Storage as a sustainable approach. Two different types of PCM will be tested in an experimental space in Egypt on different building model orientations and different PCM allocations, to test their effect on indoor air temperature. This will be practically examined by DesignBuilder simulation, to explore the possibilities of improving indoor thermal comfort within the studied types. Finally, conducting a set of recommendations for PCM application as a building material within the Egyptian context.