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Assessing the Potential of Phase-Change Materials in Energy Retrofitting of Existing Buildings in a Mediterranean Climate

Author

Listed:
  • Roberto Stasi

    (Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Design, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona, 4, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Francesco Ruggiero

    (Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Design, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona, 4, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Umberto Berardi

    (Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Design, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona, 4, 70126 Bari, Italy)

Abstract

The European Community has prioritized reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency in the building sector, along with ensuring increasingly high standards of thermal comfort, as key goals over recent decades. Given the impact of climate change, the rising frequency of extreme weather events, and the rapid shifts in peak demand during both winter and summer, buildings must efficiently respond to sudden and extreme temperature fluctuations while maintaining optimal indoor comfort. Phase-change materials (PCMs), which can adapt their thermophysical properties in response to external conditions, may offer a solution for enhancing building resilience to climate change. This paper evaluates the benefits of integrating various PCMs with plasterboard in the energy retrofit of a multi-family complex in a Mediterranean climate. The study examines the application of a PCM with a melting temperature of 25 °C at three different thicknesses (74.2 mm, 37.1 mm, and 20.8 mm) to external walls, ceilings, and both walls and ceilings simultaneously. Among the various applications, using the PCM on walls alone maximized heating savings as thickness increased (26.6%), while ceiling application maximized cooling energy savings (17.5%). Combined solutions offered the most balanced seasonal benefits, leading to the greatest overall energy reductions (24.1%).

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Stasi & Francesco Ruggiero & Umberto Berardi, 2024. "Assessing the Potential of Phase-Change Materials in Energy Retrofitting of Existing Buildings in a Mediterranean Climate," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:19:p:4839-:d:1486887
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Piselli, Cristina & Prabhakar, Mohit & de Gracia, Alvaro & Saffari, Mohammad & Pisello, Anna Laura & Cabeza, Luisa F., 2020. "Optimal control of natural ventilation as passive cooling strategy for improving the energy performance of building envelope with PCM integration," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 171-181.
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