Integration of phase change materials (PCMs) in building envelopes for thermal comfort and energy efficiency: a simulation study in the climatic context of Greece

Σκουρμαλλά, Βασιλική-Ευαγγελία; Skourmalla, Vasiliki Evangelia

dc.contributor.author	Σκουρμαλλά, Βασιλική-Ευαγγελία	el
dc.contributor.author	Skourmalla, Vasiliki Evangelia	en
dc.date.accessioned	2026-05-25T10:09:26Z
dc.date.available	2026-05-25T10:09:26Z
dc.identifier.uri	https://dspace.lib.ntua.gr/xmlui/handle/123456789/64748
dc.identifier.uri	http://dx.doi.org/10.26240/heal.ntua.32442
dc.description	Εθνικό Μετσόβιο Πολυτεχνείο--Μεταπτυχιακή Εργασία. Διεπιστημονικό-Διατμηματικό Πρόγραμμα Μεταπτυχιακών Σπουδών (Δ.Π.Μ.Σ.) “Επιστήμη και Τεχνολογία Υλικών”	el
dc.rights	Default License
dc.subject	Phase Change Materials	en
dc.subject	Building Envelope	en
dc.subject	Thermal Comfort	en
dc.subject	DesignBuilder	en
dc.subject	Insulation Strategies	en
dc.title	Integration of phase change materials (PCMs) in building envelopes for thermal comfort and energy efficiency: a simulation study in the climatic context of Greece	en
heal.type	masterThesis
heal.classification	Phase Change Materials	en
heal.language	en
heal.access	free
heal.recordProvider	ntua	el
heal.publicationDate	2026-02-17
heal.abstract	This dissertation investigates the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) into building envelopes as a passive strategy for improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency under Greek climatic conditions. The study focuses on the role of PCMs as a complementary component of the building envelope, examining their performance in comparison with conventional construction materials and insulation systems. The research begins with a theoretical investigation of the thermal behaviour of buildings and the physical properties of PCMs, with emphasis on material characteristics such as phase transition temperatures, latent heat capacity and thermal conductivity. In addition, existing PCM integration approaches in building envelopes are reviewed in order to establish a framework for their effective application. The experimental part of the study is based on dynamic thermal simulations conducted using DesignBuilder. A residential case study building located in Greece is modelled and evaluated through different envelope configurations, including PCM-enhanced assemblies and combined insulation-PCM solutions. The different scenarios are examined across different Greek climate zones in order to assess both the influence of insulation strategies and the climate dependency of PCM performance. The simulations evaluate indoor operative temperatures and thermal comfort conditions, using Fanger’s PMV and PPD indices and are analysed on an annual and seasonal basis to assess PCMs’ indoor temperature fluctuations and overall thermal performance under the different scenarios. The study concludes by identifying the conditions under which PCMs can contribute meaningfully to climate-responsive envelope design and by outlining their limitations within the Greek context.	en
heal.advisorName	Αλεξάνδρου, Ελένη	el
heal.committeeMemberName	Μπαδογιάννης, Ευστράτιος	el
heal.committeeMemberName	Τσακιρίδης, Πέτρος	el
heal.academicPublisher	Εθνικό Μετσόβιο Πολυτεχνείο. Σχολή Χημικών Μηχανικών	el
heal.academicPublisherID	ntua
heal.numberOfPages	106 σ.	el
heal.fullTextAvailability	false