Integrating phase change materials for eco-friendly construction: Optimal positioning in building envelopes under Drâa-Tafilalet (Morocco) climate conditions
Azzeddine ELGHOMARI, Amine TILIOUA
Abstract. This study uses a laboratory-scale thermal enclosure with modular sidewalls to examine how phase change materials (PCMs) affect the thermal behavior of cement–polystyrene composite walls. Optimizing PCM placement within the wall structure for better heat control and energy efficiency is the primary goal. Detailed analyses of surface temperature evolution and heat-flux behavior confirm the results, which show that placing the PCM layer next to the heat source greatly increases latent heat utilization, improving thermal performance. Among the variables taken into account were phase change temperature, thermal load intensity, and heat transfer rate. Adding PCMs to the wall assembly considerably reduces surface temperature and heat transfer, according to experiments conducted at 41 °C, which mimics summer temperatures in Errachidia in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of southeast Morocco. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of PCM-based insulation systems in reducing energy demand in building envelopes and improving thermal efficiency.
Keywords
Phase Change Materials (PCM), Energy Efficiency, Thermal Insulation, Composite Walls, Cement-Polystyrene, Thermal Comfort
Published online 1/10/2026, 8 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Azzeddine ELGHOMARI, Amine TILIOUA, Integrating phase change materials for eco-friendly construction: Optimal positioning in building envelopes under Drâa-Tafilalet (Morocco) climate conditions, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 58, pp 156-163, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903933-21
The article was published as article 21 of the book Emerging Research in Materials for Environment, and Civil Infrastructure
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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