PCM-Based Glazing Systems: Solar-Optical Properties, Energy Savings, and Carbon Emission Abatement

To reduce solar radiation transmission and contribute to energy savings in buildings, this article presents glazing materials with improved thermal performance and solar optical attributes. Double-glazed units filled with various organic PCMs (OM 21, OM 30, and OM 35) were tested for their solar and thermal properties, In two quite distinct climates in India (temperate and hot), the potential for energy savings and carbon emission abatement using PCM-filled double-glazing units for a multi-story office building was explored. Computations of the year-round cost savings of glazing systems for different latent heat utilization levels (25, 50, 75, and 100%) revealed that the full utilization of latent heat (100%) resulted in the maximum cost reductions of 69817 and 66344 dollars per year for temperate (New Delhi) and hot (Madras) climates. The glazing systems with OM 30 PCMs have concluded the highest carbon emission abatements of 855 and 812 tCO2/year for temperate and hot climates, respectively. Additionally, the economic analysis was performed, and it was discovered that OM30 had the shortest payback period of 3.2 years for 100% latent heat utilization under hot environmental conditions. PCM-based glazing systems revealed remarkable outcomes and can help achieve better thermal conditions and energy conservation in buildings.