Parametric Analysis and Life Cycle Cost Assessment for Optimizing PCM Application in Exterior Walls in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) aims to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate its environmental impact as part of Vision 2030. The building sector has high energy consumption, particularly due to elevated cooling demands, which make up 70% of residential energy use. This is largely caused by uninsulated thermal mass and subsidized electricity rates. In addition, Vision 2030's housing projects and labor shortage necessitate alternatives to current housing standards. Modular housing offers a solution to the labor shortage, but its success depends on lighter materials. This study proposes replacing thermal mass with PCM in modular housing and, investigates this using EnergyPlus simulations. The research investigated the optimal placement and thickness of PCM to maximize its thermal performance in SIPs. PCM application reduced the model total site energy by 12.9% to 13.7% with a thickness of 0.5–2.0 cm and significantly reduced the HVAC energy consumption by 37% to 39%. In this study, we developed LCCA models to assess the cost-effectiveness of PCM by establishing a price range per square foot that aligns with the energy savings that are usable in the KSA. This study also identified the maximum PCM production cost based on the LCCA analysis to ensure its investment use in KSA's construction industry.