Energy Optimization in Residential Buildings by Evaluating PCM Configurations for Dry Cold Climate Conditions

Buildings account for approximately 40% of total energy consumption in the United States, with space heating and cooling responsible for 42% and 6% of residential energy use, respectively. Phase change materials (PCM) show significant potential to reduce heating and cooling loads by absorbing and releasing thermal energy to reduce heating and cooling demands. Integrating PCMs into building walls can substantially lower energy consumption, but optimal placement varies with climate and geographic conditions. This study investigates PCM thermal performance and energy-saving potential in residential walls for cold and dry climates (ASHRAE climate zone 6B). It evaluates the efficacy of PCM integration in walls and examines location-specific placement to minimize heating and cooling energy consumption. Findings show PCM placements can save up to 25.61% of energy, providing guidance for energy-efficient building design in cold and dry climates. Future studies will explore diverse climate zones and various PCMs to recommend climate-specific optimal wall configurations for energy-efficient buildings.