A Review of PCM’s Thermal Performance Within Lightweight Construction

Generally, buildings with lightweight construction tend to have large temperature fluctuations due to external temperature loading (cooling/warming), solar heat or internal loadings of the building (appliances/equipment). The incorporation of Phase Change Material (PCM) in lightweight building walls can decrease the temperature fluctuations of the building, particularly external solar radiation loads. This research paper provided a review of related literature on reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling purposes. The findings of the research gave suggestions on the most effective method of incorporating PCM in order to provide thermal protection/thermal benefits for lightweight construction techniques.