Innovative passive techniques and PCM integration in building envelopes for enhanced energy efficiency in desert regions

Rising energy demands in buildings for heating, cooling and operating appliances underscore the importance of implementing energy-efficient solutions. Passive cooling techniques provide a sustainable alternative to conventional, energy-intensive cooling systems, promising reduced energy consumption in buildings. Using a dynamic heat transfer model validated with ANSYS Fluent, this study examined three configurations: integrating phase change materials at the brick's centerline with cavities filled with air, EPS insulation, and emissivity coating. Additionally, the benefits of combining all three passive methods were evaluated. Results indicated that among the evaluated PCMs, capric acid demonstrated superior performance. While each passive method studied offers distinct advantages in enhancing thermal performance and achieving energy efficiency, assessing their combined effects revealed significant insights. Specifically, integrating capric acid at the brick's centerline, while simultaneously configuring EPS insulation in the upper cavities and emissivity coating in the lower cavities, yielded superior performance. This configuration significantly reduced inner surface temperature by approximately 6.6 °C and minimized heat flux by about 58.4 % compared to traditional bricks. Achieving energy savings of 56.24 %, this configuration shows potential to enhance both thermal comfort and energy efficiency in building applications. •The study assessed three passive methods integrated into hollow clay bricks.•Individual and combined effects of these methods were analyzed comparatively.•Improved indoor temperature and heat flux regulation were demonstrated.•PCM in the center, EPS in the upper, and low-e in lower cavities was the optimal design.