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2026 Vol.17, Issue 1 Preview Page

General Article

Experimental and numerical assessment of phase change materials for improving thermal comfort and reducing cooling demand in algerian residential buildings
Nadia Nait1*
,
Fatiha Bourbia2
,
Sarah Benharkat3
1PhD Candidate, Laboratory of Bioclimatic Architecture and Environment (ABE), Department of Architecture, University Constantine 3, Algeria
2Professor, Laboratory of Bioclimatic Architecture and Environment (ABE), Department of Architecture, University Constantine 3, Algeria
3Senior Lecturer, Laboratory of Bioclimatic Architecture and Environment (ABE), Department of Architecture, University Constantine 3, Algeria
*Corresponding Author
31 March 2026. pp. 56-74
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Abstract

In the context of energy-efficient buildings, the incorporation of phase change materials (PCMs) into the building envelope represents a promising thermal energy storage strategy to reduce cooling demand and enhance thermal comfort. This study investigates the thermal performance of a residential building located in Constantine, Algeria, characterized by a semi-arid climate, by comparing a conventional envelope with one integrating Energain® PCM panels during the summer season . A combined experimental and numerical approach was adopted, using in situ field measurements and dynamic simulation with EDSL TAS software. Measurements conducted over the peak summer period (17 to 22 July) served to validate the simulation model, which was subsequently applied in two stages: two representative summer days were first simulated to analyze the envelope thermal behavior, followed by a full seasonal simulation using, typical meteorological year data for Constantine, with realistic boundary conditions including occupancy schedules, internal gains, natural ventilation, and infiltration rates. Performance was assessed degree-hours and thermal discomfort hours, computed over the entire summer season. The results demonstrate that PCM integration significantly enhances thermal comfort and reduces cooling energy demand, with cooling consumption decreasing by up to 34 percent. Degree hours were reduced by 64 and 80 percent in the northwest-facing living room and southeast-facing bedroom respectively, while discomfort hours decreased by 45 and 57 percent in these spaces. The findings highlight the potential of PCM integration as an effective passive strategy for enhancing thermal resilience and reducing energy demand in semi-arid residential contexts.

Keywords
residential buildings
PCM Energain®
degree-hours
thermal comfort
cooling loads
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Information
  • Publisher :Sustainable Building Research Center (ERC) Innovative Durable Building and Infrastructure Research Center
  • Publisher(Ko) :건설구조물 내구성혁신 연구센터
  • Journal Title :International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development
  • Volume : 17
  • No :1
  • Pages :56-74
  • Received Date : 2025-10-29
  • Accepted Date : 2026-03-04
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.22712/susb.20260005
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