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Volume 36, Issue 3 (2026)
IJAUP 2026, 36(3) |
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Jamshidzadeh K, Azemati S. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Phase Change Materials in Optimizing Energy Storage within Waterproofing Insulation Systems of Mid Rise Residential Buildings: Emphasis on the Vernacular Architecture of Gilan. IJAUP 2026; 36 (3)
URL: http://ijaup.iust.ac.ir/article-1-994-en.html
URL: http://ijaup.iust.ac.ir/article-1-994-en.html
1- Department of Architecture, Research Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Architecture, East Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran ,Saeed.azemati@iau.ac.ir
2- Department of Architecture, East Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract:
The increasing energy consumption in the building sector and its environmental impacts highlight the need for strategies that optimize energy use and improve thermal energy storage. In this context, vernacular architecture, as climate-responsive knowledge, offers valuable insights for sustainable and energy-efficient design. The humid-temperate climate of Gilan Province, characterized by high humidity, frequent rainfall, and continuous ventilation needs, provides a suitable context for reassessing building envelope performance, particularly roof waterproofing insulation layers. This study evaluates the potential of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) to enhance thermal energy storage in waterproofing insulation systems of mid-rise residential buildings, with reference to Gilan’s climatic conditions and vernacular architectural principles. A mid-rise residential building in Rasht was selected as the case study, and dynamic energy simulations were conducted using TRNSYS. A reference scenario without PCM was compared with a PCM-integrated scenario in which PCM was placed within the roof waterproofing insulation layer. The main evaluation indicators included thermal storage capacity, indoor temperature stability, and heating and cooling energy demand. The simulation results suggest that integrating PCM into the roof waterproofing layer can reduce annual heating and cooling loads and improve indoor thermal stability under the studied climatic conditions. Total annual energy consumption decreased from approximately 28,230 kWh/year in the reference case to about 25,240 kWh/year in the PCM-integrated scenario, corresponding to an overall reduction of about 10.6%. These findings indicate that, for the investigated building and PCM configuration, targeted PCM integration can enhance thermal storage capacity and contribute to reducing cooling demand in Rasht’s humid climate. Architecturally, PCM technology may complement Gilan’s vernacular strategies, including sloped roofs, semi-open spaces, and natural ventilation, by improving envelope performance. However, as the results are simulation-based, further experimental validation and economic assessment are required before broader application or generalization to other buildings and humid climates with greater practical confidence.
Keywords: Phase change materials (PCM), Thermal energy storage, Waterproofing insulation, Vernacular architecture, Mid rise residential buildings, Gilan climate
Type of Study: Research Paper |
Subject:
Architectural Engineering
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