Prof. Muslum Arici
Kocaeli University, Turkey
Title: Phase Change Materials for Energy-Efficient Buildings: Thermal Performance and Smart Energy Management
Abstract: Phase change materials (PCMs) can improve building thermal performance by storing and releasing heat during phase transitions. They may help stabilize indoor temperatures, reduce heating and cooling demand, and shift energy use away from peak periods. Evaluating these benefits, however, requires a clear understanding of the mechanisms behind the observed changes in performance. This talk examines PCM applications in building envelopes and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Particular attention is given to the contribution of latent heat storage to energy savings, distinguishing it from sensible heat storage and the increase in thermal resistance that may result from adding a PCM layer. The effects of material properties, PCM placement, climate, and operating conditions on charging and discharging will also be discussed. Comparisons of temperature response, heat transfer, and energy demand will illustrate when phase change provides a meaningful benefit. The talk then explores how simulation, sensor-based monitoring, and intelligent control can improve the timing of heat storage and release in response to occupancy, weather, and energy demand. Combining an understanding of PCM thermal performance with smart energy management can support more effective building designs and reduce peak loads.Biodata: Müslüm Arıcı is a Professor in Thermodynamics and Heat Technique Division of Mechanical Engineering Department of Kocaeli University, Turkey. He is co-author of 370+ papers in refereed SCI-indexed journal papers, receiving over 14,000 citations and achieving an h-index of 67 (Scopus). He has contributed to numerous national and international research projects on sustainable energy and low-carbon building technologies. He is also involved in international academic collaborations, conference organizations, and interdisciplinary projects related to sustainable and smart energy systems. He has been serving as associate editor in Case Studies in Thermal Engineering; Energy, Ecology, and Environment; Journal of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of Gazi University; and Journal of Thermal Engineering. Besides, he is co-editor of 3 books. He was enlisted among world’s top 2% scientists according to Stanford University in the last five consecutive years. His research fields of interest include thermal energy storage, solar energy, energy efficient buildings, and thermal management.