Assessing the performance of Phase Change Materials in buildings
In December 2016, BRE published Assessing the performance of Phase Change Materials in buildings (FB 84), written by Corinne Williams.
Phase Change Materials (PCMs), or latent heat storage materials are an emerging technology in the UK construction industry. They have a large specific latent heat capacity, and can help improve the thermal performance of, and thermal comfort in low thermal mass buildings by lowering the peak temperatures resulting from extreme external temperature changes and preventing overheating.
This publication provides an overview of PCM building products and available methodologies for assessing them. It focusses on PCMs as part of a passive / fabric / thermal mass approach and will be of interest to specifiers, designers, installers, approving authorities, manufacturers, fire safety risk assessors and other interested parties.
The first part provides an introduction to PCM building products, covering; what they are and how they work, their benefits, current technical developments and available products. The second part covers testing and evaluation methodologies for long-term thermal performance, environmental impact, structural performance, health and safety considerations, and performance in fire and quality standards.
Its contents include:
- Acknowledgements
- Executive summary
- Glossary
- Introduction
- Assessment of PCMs and methodologies
- Quality schemes for PCM-specific attributes
- Conclusions and recommendations
- References
- Endnotes
The author Corinne Williams answered some questions about the publication:
Did you have to test several cocktails during the writing of this publication? |
No! The ice cube example is a simple way to explain how PCMs work. Ice is a commonly used and well-known PCM.
An ice cube absorbs heat from a drink. When the ice cube reaches its melting temperature, it changes phase – from a solid to a liquid – and it absorbs large amounts of energy (at constant temperature) and cools the drink in the process.
What are PCMs? |
A PCM is a material or substance which when changing its state – for example, from solid to liquid or liquid to solid – is capable of storing or releasing large amounts of energy at a constant temperature (the transition temperature). PCMs are referred to as latent heat storage materials.
How are PCMs used in construction? |
PCM construction products need to be considered as part of the overall package of temperature control measures in a building and early specialist advice is desirable to ensure they are applied correctly and appropriately.
They can be used to provide thermal mass to buildings with low thermal mass to improve the thermal performance and indoor comfort.
PCMs incorporated into different construction products are available. Most of their applications are for inside buildings, such as ceilings and walls. PCM construction products come in various physical forms such as panels, plaster, boards and tiles and are available for different operating (or transition) temperatures.
PCMs in construction products simply absorb latent heat energy from the indoor environment when they change from solid to liquid when the indoor air temperature reaches the transition temperature, during the day. This process needs to reverse when the temperature drops during the night so the cycle can restart the next day.
Where are PCMs being used? |
There are a number of demonstration and exemplar buildings where PCMs have been installed, including:
- The east wing of Somerset House, London, using clay boards containing PCM.
- The visitor centre at the BRE Innovation Park, Ravenscraig, Lanarkshire, incorporating a PCM ceiling panel system.
- The BASF Research House at the University of Nottingham, using PCM wall boards.
You can purchase the title at BRE Bookshop.
This article was originally published here on 15 Dec 2016 by BRE Buzz. It was written by Sheila Swan.
--BRE Buzz
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.