Phase Change Materials in Cooling Technologies: A Systematic Review of Applications and Studies

Ahlam Salam Abdul Karim; Ahmed Adeeb Abdulwahid; Hajir Haitham Labeeb

doi:10.61268/nw3ja080

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Published: 18-06-2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61268/nw3ja080

Keywords:

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Ahlam Salam Abdul Karim

Department of Construction and Projects, Al Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, 10071, Iraq

Ahmed Adeeb Abdulwahid

Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Baghdad, 10022, Iraq

Hajir Haitham Labeeb

3Department of Construction and Projects, Al Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, 10053, Iraq

Abstract

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are substances capable of storing and releasing thermal energy through phase transitions, primarily between solid and liquid states. Due to their high latent heat capacity and nearly constant temperature operation during melting and solidification, PCMs have gained considerable attention for thermal management and energy efficiency applications. This review summarizes recent investigations into PCM-based cooling systems across multiple fields, including building thermal regulation, photovoltaic panels, electronic devices, batteries, and domestic appliances. The integration of PCMs in these systems effectively reduces temperature fluctuations, peak loads, and overall energy consumption, leading to enhanced system performance and environmental benefits. Various organic, inorganic, and eutectic PCMs have been analyzed according to their thermal properties, and selection criteria. Software can simulate the PCMs applications are ANSYS Fluent, EnergyPlus, and Design Builder. The findings highlight that optimized PCM design and integration strategies play a crucial role in sustainable cooling technologies, supporting the global shift toward energy-efficient and low-carbon solutions.

Issue

Al-Rafidain Journal of Engineering Sciences Vol.4 Issue 2 (2026)

Section

Mechanical Engineering

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Licensed under a CC-BY license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

Author Biographies

Ahlam Salam Abdul Karim, Department of Construction and Projects, Al Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, 10071, Iraq

Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Construction and Projects, Al Mustansiriyah University.

Ahmed Adeeb Abdulwahid, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Baghdad, 10022, Iraq

Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Baghdad, Iraq

How to Cite

[1]

A. S. Abdul Karim, A. A. Abdulwahid, and H. Haitham Labeeb, “Phase Change Materials in Cooling Technologies: A Systematic Review of Applications and Studies”, Rafidain J. Eng. Sci., vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 89–101, Jun. 2026, doi: 10.61268/nw3ja080.

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