The use of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms to assess phase change materials in a residence with light framings in bioclimatic zones 1, 2 and 3

One of the main problems of the national civil construction sector is the need for mechanisms that contribute to the temperature regulation of internal spaces in situations of low thermal capacity levels, and in the composition of frames, especially when it comes to light constructions. A technology used to overcome the such situation is Phase Change Materials, which is currently applied in the composition of frames of buildings in different climatic contexts around the world, where high temperatures make materials go into a melting phase, storing latent heat as it liquefies, whereas low temperatures make materials go into a freezing phase, releasing latent heat into environments as it freezes. This work presents a review of PCM technologies for application in civil construction, as well as an analysis of the use of these technologies in a residence with light composition, for Brazilian Bioclimatic Zones (BZ) 1, 2, and 3. With the consideration of an evolutionary analysis by simulation, the results obtained show that the best solutions were more impactful in buildings with a low level of thermal insulation in BZ3 and with a high level of thermal insulation in BZ1, obtaining reductions of up to 65% in energy demands with air conditioning. In all tested scenarios, the addition of PCM contributed positively to improving the energy efficiency of the building.