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Energy is the most precious resource in our daily life. Global energy consumption is increasing in constant rate, hence the environmental degradation caused by polluting fossil fuel usage as energy resources should be limited. These resources increase the quantity of greenhouse gases emissions, the global warming, and the climate change. The building sector and related activities is responsible of a large part of energy consumption. Therefore, to reduce the energy usage and to increase the dependency of the building, renewable energies are utilized such as solar energy. Noting that this energy is intermittent, a thermal energy storage system must be installed. Thus, phase change materials (PCM) with different ways of building integration are used as a solution. In this paper, a representation of different types of PCM and thermal energy storage applications in the building environment is highlighted.

Thermo-dynamical studies have proven that introducing phase change materials (PCM) to the building’s envelope could decrease the heat transfer exchange rate and maintain the inside thermal comfort for long periods. Among all types of PCM applications in the building’s envelope, the cement-plaster is the most cost-effective. The composite PCM-plaster material was formed by mixing predefined mass percentages of PCM microcapsules with local cement, sand, and water. This paper aims to establish a direct solution for the enthalpy-temperature variations for the PCM composite material. This solution will enable to study the effect of the composite material on buildings' energy loads. The obtained model has been also validated against experimentally tested samples and results were in complete agreement. This model will enable researchers to obtain the correct heat response when the envelope of the building is subjected to different external weather solicitations.

In Lebanon, the demand for energy is constantly increasing. A tremendous increase of 83% in energy demand was recorded between 2009 and 2019. The national electricity company (EDL) is unable to supply electricity needs. These needs are covered by expansive and polluting backup generators. Furthermore, according to the World Bank (2016), the national power sector share was 57.8% of total CO2 emissions in 2015, and 25.2% among them came from private diesel generators. The building sector and related activities is responsible of a large part of energy consumption. Thus, phase change materials with different ways of building integration are used as a solution. In this paper, a representation of different types and building integration methods of PCM is conducted. This paper review will present the previous studies concerning different types and integration methods of PCM, furthermore, environmental, energetic, and economic viability study will be highlighted simultaneously tackling future challenges in regards to PCM integration into buildings under Lebanese climate conditions.