A review on thermal energy storage using phase change materials in passive building applications

Nowadays the building sector is considered to be the largest consumer of energy. Thus, new changes must be done in order to reduce and optimize the energy demand in buildings. Thermal energy storage systems, using phase change materials (PCMs) are gaining increasing attention due to its important role in achieving energy conservation in buildings. Three aspects have been presented in this review article: the PCMs, their encapsulation methods and their passive applications in buildings. The purpose of this paper is to offer an overview of previous works and recent studies of the integration of different PCMs into passive buildings, more specifically in building materials, walls, wallboards, roofs and floors. An up-to-date database of research articles was presented and their results regarding the implementation of PCMs in buildings and its impact on the energy conservation and thermal comfort were analyzed. It has been found that with the help of PCMs, the energy efficiency of buildings was improved, energy consumption cost was minimized, the heat was stored and the thermal comfort requirements were assured. In addition, PCMs can provide key solutions to energy shortages, carbon emissions and their serious threat to the environment. Based on the findings, future recommendations were proposed to work on the areas of research for further improvements. •Thermal Energy Storage systems using Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are reviewed.•Classification of PCMs and their main selection criteria are discussed in detail.•Different techniques of PCMs incorporation into building elements are discussed.•Integration of PCMs in buildings envelopes and building materials is summarized.