Incorporation of Phase Change Materials for Thermal Comfort in Buildings: A Case of Warm and Humid Climate

Abstract

Thermal comfort in warm–humid climates remains challenging due to persistently high
temperatures, elevated humidity, and limited night-time cooling. Conventional mechanical
cooling increases energy demand, highlighting the need for passive, climate-responsive
alternatives. This research investigates the potential of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and,
more specifically, Phase Change Humidity Control Materials (PCHCMs) as an integrated
hygrothermal regulation strategy for buildings in warm–humid Indian conditions. PCHCMs
uniquely moderate both temperature and relative humidity by simultaneously exchanging
sensible and latent heat, thereby influencing building energy loads. The study compares
conventional wall assembly to PCHCM infused wall assembly with diatomite , gypsum and
hempcrete as hygroscopic matrices within the PCHCM. The study also looks forward to
identifying an optimal composite of PCHCM infused wall assembly by microencapsulation ,
macroencapsulation or shape-stabilized PCMs . Using Künzel’s HAMT (Heat–Air–Moisture
Transport) model, the research simulates the behavior of the developed composite within the
building envelope through DesignBuilder. The findings aim to advance passive material
technologies that improve indoor comfort while reducing cooling energy consumption in
warm–humid climates.