Journal of Energy Management and Technology

Journal of Energy Management and Technology

Evaluation of the Performance of Smart Windows Integrated with Phase Change Materials (PCM) for Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings in Karaj's Climate

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
ahmadreza Keshtkar Ghalati 1
Elaheh Khademlou 2
Elham Esfandyarifard 3
1 Assistant Professor of Architecture, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Graduated with a master’s degree of Architecture and Energy, Rassam Institute of Higher Education, Karaj, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Rassam Institute of Higher Education, Karaj, Iran.
10.22109/jemt.2026.550536.1574
Abstract
The application of phase change materials (PCMs) in smart window technologies offers a promising strategy for improving building energy efficiency and enhancing indoor environmental quality. However, climate-specific performance optimizations—particularly evaluating local commercial PCM formulations in semi-arid conditions with high diurnal temperature variations—remain insufficiently explored. This study investigates the thermo-energy performance of PCM-integrated double-glazed windows for residential buildings in Karaj, Iran, using validated EnergyPlus simulations with the Conduction Finite Difference (CondFD) algorithm. Unlike generic studies, this research evaluates locally available PCM formulations across various phase-change transition temperatures (21°C, 24°C, and 28°C). Results demonstrate that PCM-integrated glazing substantially reduces both heating and cooling energy demands. Specifically, annual cooling electricity loads decrease by 6.6% to 7.5% (with PCM24 offering the highest cooling performance), while annual heating natural gas consumption drops by 36.8% to 39.8% (with PCM21 yielding the greatest heating savings). The PCM21 configuration achieves the highest total annual energy saving of 4,063.1 kWh (representing a 17.5% reduction in overall building energy consumption). Comparative analysis indicates that integrating PCMs into glazing under semi-arid conditions yields up to a 10% higher heating load reduction than reported in humid or cold climate baselines, driven by substantial diurnal temperature fluctuations. These findings identify optimal phase-change threshold criteria for semi-arid Iranian climates, providing actionable insights for energy-conscious architectural design and building envelope retrofits.
Keywords
Phase Change Materials (PCM)
Smart Windows
Energy Efficiency
Thermal Comfort
EnergyPlus Simulation
Subjects
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Journal of Energy Management and Technology
Volume 10, Issue 3
Summer 2026
Pages 218-224

  • Receive Date 03 October 2025
  • Revise Date 09 August 2026
  • Accept Date 01 September 2026