Comprehensive Review of Phase Change Materials for Building Applications: Passive, Active, and Hybrid Systems (2022-2025)

Identifier:  imarina:9525031

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9525031

Authors:  Laafer, Abdelkader; Hammouma, Thanina; Hmida, Abir; Bourouis, Mahmoud

Abstract:
Phase change materials (PCMs) have emerged as a key enabler of high-performance, low-carbon buildings through latent heat-based thermal energy storage. This paper presents a systematic and critical synthesis of advances in PCM technologies for building applications published between 2022 and 2025, analyzing over 300 peer-reviewed studies to evaluate thermal performance, economic viability, environmental impact, and climate adaptability across three integration approaches: passive, active, and hybrid systems. The studies analyzed show that passive envelope integration employing macroencapsulated or form-stable PCMs in walls, roofs, and glazing is reported to deliver 15-45% energy savings with payback periods of 8-15 years, primarily through enhanced thermal inertia and indoor temperature stabilization. Active systems, which couple PCMs with HVAC, heat pumps, or air handling units, are found to achieve 20-40% energy reductions and shorter payback periods (3-8 years) by enabling load shifting, peak shaving, and improved coefficient of performance (COP). Hybrid configurations integrating passive and active strategies with AI-driven control demonstrate, in the literature, the highest potential, with reported energy savings of up to 50%, though they entail greater complexity and capital cost. The review further highlights material-level innovations, including ternary composite PCMs, bio-based alternatives, and nano-enhanced formulations that address intrinsic limitations such as low thermal conductivity (0.1-0.3 W/m & centerdot;K for organics) and cycling instability. Despite significant progress, critical gaps persist in standardized testing protocols, long-term field validation, comprehensive lifecycle assessments, and real-world scalability, particularly in tropical and cold climates. By bridging material science, building physics, and energy system engineering, this work provides a forward-looking roadmap to accelerate the deployment of PCM-based solutions in the global decarbonization of the built environment.