COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS FOR COOLING DEMAND REDUCTION IN HOT-ARID CLIMATES: INSIGHTS FROM IRAQ AND THE GULF

• Дата: 2026
• Автори: Ahmed, R. Zainy, Hayder , Zuhair Zainy, Nasr , A. Jabbar, Hyder , M. Abdul Hussein
• Формат: Стаття
• Мова: Англійська
• Опубліковано: Institute of Renewable Energy National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 2026
• Теми: sustainable energy; phase change materials (PCM); solar thermal system; thermal energy; energy storage
• Онлайн доступ: https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/621
• Назва журналу: Vidnovluvana energetika

In hot and dry countries like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, buildings need a lot of cooling, which uses up to 70-80% of all the electricity in homes and offices. This reliance on air conditioning makes energy shortages and environmental problems worse. One way to solve this problem is to use Phase Change Materials (PCMs), like paraffin wax, which can store and release heat to keep indoor temperatures stable and reduce the need for cooling. However, the usual PCM doesn't work well because it can't conduct heat easily. This study examines how PCM can be used in hot and dry climates, focusing on three main types: local paraffin PCM, nano-enhanced PCM, and hybrid PCM systems that work with design strategies that don't use energy. We reviewed over 30 studies published between 2006 and 2025 to compare the results. Using local paraffin PCMs from Iraq can reduce the need for cooling by 20-30%, and it can pay for itself in just 2-3 years. The use of PCMs in buildings can help reduce energy consumption and alleviate the pressure on the energy grid, especially during peak summer months. By incorporating PCMs into building design, architects and engineers can create more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings that are better suited to hot and dry climates. Also, the integration of PCMs with passive design strategies can enhance their effectiveness and provide a more comprehensive solution to the cooling demands in these regions. Overall, the application of PCMs in hot and dry climates offers a promising solution to the challenges posed by extreme cooling demands, and further research and development are needed to fully explore its potential and benefits. The adoption of PCM technology will enable us to create more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, which not only reduce energy consumption but also provide a better and healthier indoor environment for occupants.