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.