Effective PCM, insulation, natural and/or night ventilation techniques to enhance the thermal performance of buildings located in various climates - A review

Maintaining healthy and comfortable indoors through passive ways is challenging due to the changing and extreme climatic conditions. The aim of this work is to review the thermal performance of buildings integrated with various energy-saving strategies and to recommend suitable passive techniques for buildings located in various climatic types. The passive techniques such as PCM, insulation, natural and/or night ventilation techniques were investigated and recommendations were made based on the Koppen-Geiger climatic classifications. A variety of reviews discussing the different aspects of the selection of passive techniques for building applications are available in the literature. Still, knowledge of which technique suits a particular climate and the factors that influence its selection is necessary for all engineers, architects, research personnel, and students who are into building applications. The outcomes of the detailed literature review are as follows: Buildings integrated with PCM, insulation, natural and/or night ventilation significantly reduce the building's energy demands. The crucial factors in selecting an appropriate technique for a specific building are building type and location, weather patterns, and ventilation potential and strategies. Hence, before selecting any technique, it is recommended to analyse the feasibility of the technique for a particular building for an entire year in terms of thermal performance and cost benefits; and Finally, insulation integration at the outer building surface is recommended for Type A and B climates, while insulation integration at the inner building surface is recommended for Type C and D climates. In general, PCM integration is not beneficial for Type A climates, while integrating PCM at the outer building surface is recommended for Type B climates. Similarly, PCM integration at the middle or innermost layer of the building envelopes yielded better results for Type C and D climates. Reframing the building codes and standards for reducing greenhouse gases and adapting to climatic changes is recommended for a healthy, comfortable lifestyle and a clean environment. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.