Special Issue "Phase Change Materials for Building Energy Applications"

Dear Colleagues,

The building stock handles over 30% of global energy consumption, and nearly 40% of total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, phase change materials can have several thermal energy applications in buildings to achieve different goals, such as improving the building energy efficiency, increasing the performance of HVAC equipment and on-site renewable energy systems, reducing peak loads, as well as improving the indoor environment by controlling the swings and extreme values of temperatures.

This Special Issue aims to collect recent research contributions, which report experimental, theoretical, and numerical findings related to the energy applications of phase change materials in buildings. Through this article collection, we aspired to help with the acceleration of advanced research and development of innovative technologies and solutions to address the current global energy and climate crises, in which buildings play a vital role. Regular research and review articles falling within the scope of the current Special Issue are welcome.

Dr. Facundo Bre
Dr. Antonio Caggiano
Prof. Dr. Umberto Berardi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• phase change materials
• energy saving in buildings
• energy storage in buildings
• new phase change materials for energy applications in buildings
• new passive and active applications of phase change materials in buildings
• new building devices based on phase change materials
• new building materials enhanced with phase change materials
• innovative thermal energy storage systems in buildings based on phase change materials
• design and optimization of phase change materials in buildings
• modeling and simulation of phase change materials for energy applications in buildings
• experimental performance demonstrations of phase change materials in buildings

Title: An overview of phase change materials and their applications in pavement
Authors: Kinga Korniejenko 1,*, Marek Nykiel 1, Marta Choinska 2, Assel Jexembayeva 3, Marat Konkanov 3 and Lyazat Aruova 3
Affiliation: 1 Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland; 2 Research Institute in Civil and Mechanical Engineering GeM, UMR CNRS 6183, Nantes University—IUT Saint-Nazaire, 44035 Nantes, France; 3 Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazhymukan Str. 13, r205, 010008 Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan;

Title: The use of transparent structures improving light comfort in library spaces and minimizing energy consumption: case study of Warsaw, Poland
Authors: Anna Podlasek
Affiliation: Warsaw University of Life Sciences
Abstract: Light plays a pivotal role in shaping the quality and ambiance of interior spaces, with its significance and controversy amplified in the design of libraries. This article delves into the intricate relationship between lighting, translucent structures, and the architectural parameters influencing library spaces. The study focuses on the challenges posed by excessive lighting, visual discomfort, and overheating, primarily arising from the prevalent use of numerous translucent structures in library architecture. Analyzing the architectural and construction parameters, as well as the properties of window openings and transparent structures, the research scrutinizes various types of glass and alternative materials commonly employed in library construction. The crux of the study lies in the recognition of the critical role played by transparent materials and structures in mitigating potential operational issues in library spaces. A judicious selection of these elements during the design phase can facilitate the minimization of problems related to thermal energy regulation, ventilation control, acoustic insulation, and enhancement of visual comfort. The significance of this research lies in its potential to optimize library buildings by increasing energy efficiency and reducing dependence on artificial lighting, heating, and air conditioning. The careful consideration of transparent materials at the design stage promises long-term benefits in the form of sustainable library spaces that not only meet functional requirements but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious architectural landscape.