Phase change materials for thermal management and energy conservation in buildings

The ever growing demand for energy and the diminishing reserves of fossil fuel reserves have let the researchers to explore the new ways for energy sources and energy conservation techniques.A phase change material based technology for thermal management in buildings has emerged as a promising one and efficient method with its large capacity to store and retrieve thermal energy for both cooling and heating applications. The technology on the use of PCMs for diverse fields of engineering has been gaining momentum and getting attraction from researchers, manufacturers in different dimensions.There are passive and active methods of using the PCM for buildings and other applications. A phase change material wallboard can be used on the walls, roof of a building for reducing the excess temperatures and maintain comfort conditions. The distinctive characteristics i.e., eco-firendly nature and the high energy storing capacity that leads to energy savings and conservation in the selected application has been the main source of inspiration in the use of PCM based technology. It has been taking new dimensions and surely take a lead role in near future with the advancement of technology.