Numerical Optimization for the Design of Geopolymer Concrete Walls with Phase Change Materials in the Mediterranean Climate

The adoption of phase change materials (PCMs) is a promising solution for the improvement building energy performances and indoor comfort, integration geopolymer concrete (GPC) allows recycling reducing demand raw in production. Both contribute to carbon dioxide emission lifecycle. In this frame, paper proposes complete numerical approach selecting optimal wall package made GPC PCMs Mediterranean climate. first step method consists parametric analysis evaluating incidence on performance thermal comfort main designing variables: insulation thickness, air cavity type its type. Then, assuming discomfort hours as limiting constraint, multi-objective optimization applied subset solutions determining Pareto front solutions. advantage proposed methodology combined evaluations multiple variables with simplicity execution; reason, it useful other researchers aimed at studying innovative According obtained results, better exposure north or northeast one. minimization cooling requires two PCMs, internal external sides, melting temperature 26 °C. yearly maximum level both sides not-ventilated gap between modules. heating need can be reduced, respectively, by around −29% −57%, compared reference configuration vacuum panels transmittance 0.4 W/m2 K.