Thermal Performance Enhancement for Buildings using Phase Change Materials (PCMs)
1
Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
2
Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical Power Engineering Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
Publication date: 2026-03-11
Acta Mechanica et Automatica 2026;20(1)
KEYWORDS
phase change materialenergy savingbuilding envelopeenergy performanceresidential buildingthermal energy storage
ABSTRACT
The residential sector in Egypt is one of the largest energy consumers, exacerbating the energy crisis due to reliance on fossil fuels and the growing gap between supply and demand. This study aims to enhance energy efficiency in the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) into residential buildings for thermal energy storage. The impact of PCM was analyzed using Energy Plus, the simulation engine for Design Builder, focusing on five major Egyptian cities representing different climate conditions. The CondFD algorithm was
applied to simulate heat transfer and assess Reinforced building components with PCMs to lower energy use while maintaining in-door thermal comfort. Initially, three potential PCM options are assessed for a baseline residential unit, with M91/Q23 featuring a melting point
of 23°C and a thickness of 37 mm was determined to be the most effective configuration when applied to the exterior layers of the building envelope. This PCM is subsequently incorporated into a standard single-story, multi zone residential buildings for further analysis.
The average energy savings per month of 17.55% is achieved in Assiut, 16.28% in South Sinai, 16% in Alexandria, 15.68% in Ismailia, and 14.8% in Aswan. It was found that the use of PCMs to improve energy efficiency in residential buildings depends on different types
of PCMs and how to select the best type with the best thickness based on their physical properties.
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| eISSN: | 2300-5319 |
| ISSN: | 1898-4088 |
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