Phase change materials in urban architecture: Advancing thermal regulation and energy efficiency through high-performance envelope technologies
Ali Akbar Firoozi, Ali Asghar Firoozi, Taoufik Saidani, Ali Asghar Firoozi, Taoufik Saidani
Abstract
This study critically investigates the application of phase change materials (PCMs) as a transformative solution for enhancing thermal regulation and energy efficiency in urban architecture, with a specific focus on their integration into high-performance building envelopes. The primary objective is to evaluate the thermophysical performance, practical scalability, and sustainability potential of PCMs within diverse urban contexts, thereby clarifying their role in supporting net-zero energy targets. Through a combined methodology encompassing systematic literature review, meta-analysis, and empirical assessments based on case studies from Stuttgart, Tokyo, Dubai, and Sheffield, the research quantifies the thermal and energy-saving outcomes of PCM integration. Results consistently show that PCM-enhanced envelopes can reduce HVAC energy consumption by up to 20 %, while improving indoor thermal stability by limiting temperature fluctuations to within a 2–3 °C range, substantially outperforming conventional systems. The study further advances discourse by identifying low-carbon PCM formulations and exploring synergistic pathways involving renewable energy integration, smart grid responsiveness, and regulatory frameworks. What distinguishes this research is its dual emphasis on material innovation and system-level deployment strategies, offering a holistic perspective on how PCMs can function as core enablers of climate-adaptive, energy-resilient urban environments. These findings not only deepen scientific understanding but also provide practical insights for engineers, architects, and policymakers aiming to implement sustainable envelope technologies across a range of climatic zones.