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Energy Efficiency in Buildings Through the Application of Phase Change Materials: An In-Depth Analysis of the Integration of Spent Coffee Grounds (SCGs)

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Listed:
  • Abir Hmida

    (School of Engineering, University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada)

  • Fouad Erchiqui

    (School of Engineering, University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada)

  • Abdelkader Laafer

    (Ovamus Laboratory, LSTM Laboratory, Mechanical Department, Faculty of Technology, University of Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria)

  • Mahmoud Bourouis

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans No. 26, 43007 Taragona, Spain)

Abstract

Energy demand in the building sector has drastically increased due to rising occupant comfort requirements, accounting for 30% of the world’s final energy consumption and 26% of global carbon emissions. Thus, to improve building efficiency in heating and cooling applications, phase change material (PCM)-based passive thermal management techniques have been considered due to their energy storage capabilities. This study provides a comprehensive review of the research on PCM applications, types, and encapsulation forms. Various solutions have been proposed to enhance PCM performance. In this review, the authors suggest new methods to improve PCM efficiency by using the multilayered wall technique, which involves employing two layers of a hybrid bio-composite—specifically, the hybrid hemp/wood fiber-reinforced composite with a polypropylene (PP) matrix—along with a layer of PCM made from spent coffee grounds (SCGs). Previous studies have shown that oil extracted from SCGs demonstrates good thermal and chemical stability, as it contains approximately 60–80% fatty acids, with a phase transition temperature of approximately 4.5 ± 0.72 °C and latent heat values of 51.15 ± 1.46 kJ/kg.

Suggested Citation

  • Abir Hmida & Fouad Erchiqui & Abdelkader Laafer & Mahmoud Bourouis, 2025. "Energy Efficiency in Buildings Through the Application of Phase Change Materials: An In-Depth Analysis of the Integration of Spent Coffee Grounds (SCGs)," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-29, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:14:p:3629-:d:1698000
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kuczyński, T. & Staszczuk, A. & Gortych, M., 2025. "Comparison of heavy building envelopes and PCM: Impact on indoor temperature peaks and cooling energy use during heat events," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 325(C).
    2. Fabrizio Ascione & Nicola Bianco & Rosa Francesca De Masi & Margherita Mastellone & Giuseppe Peter Vanoli, 2019. "Phase Change Materials for Reducing Cooling Energy Demand and Improving Indoor Comfort: A Step-by-Step Retrofit of a Mediterranean Educational Building," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-32, September.
    3. Faraj, Khaireldin & Khaled, Mahmoud & Faraj, Jalal & Hachem, Farouk & Castelain, Cathy, 2020. "Phase change material thermal energy storage systems for cooling applications in buildings: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
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