Numerical Assessment of Different Phase Change Materials as a Passive Strategy to Reduce Energy Consumption in Buildings under Tropical Climates

The building envelope design constrains how much HVAC systems must work to provide comfort. High thermal mass in walls is preferable delay heat gain, as well reduce it. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) seem proportionate more without increasing wall thickness because of their high latent heat. Thus, this studies various PCM-based layouts four case studies, H060, H100, H200, and OB, under the tropical climate Panama City, via energy performance simulation. Energy comfort were used criteria determine an optimal layout for such a through optimization analysis compare non-PCM-based layouts. Results showed that among considered combinations, roof configurations optimum solutions than configurations. PCM with melting temperature 27 °C allowed completion cycle throughout year. Although other did not present complete charge/discharge cycle, most frequent options at it suggests on liquid or solid phase provides better combinations.