Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Micro-Apartments using Phase Change Materials: A Case Study in Alexandria, Egypt

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Background Adequate housing is a fundamental human need, yet in Egypt and the MENA region, they face challenges due to rising population pressures and economic difficulties. Affordable options are increasingly scarce, especially for those unable to meet housing market rates. This research explores micro-apartments as an eco-friendly solution aligned with global trends toward minimalism, offering compact living spaces of about 40 square meters. In Alexandria, where awareness is limited and energy consumption is high, the study emphasizes micro-apartments as a housing solution with the aim to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency for the occupants using Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and passive design strategies. Methods This research evaluates micro-apartments as affordable housing in Egypt, emphasizing passive design and RT24HC Phase Change Material for wall insulation in Alexandria. A prototype is developed, and Design Builder software, using version 7.0.2.006 & Energy Plus 9.4 plugin, simulates the chosen RT24HC PCM’s energy efficiency. This methodology optimizes land use and enhances thermal comfort by integrating PCM with passive design, assessing Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfaction (PPD%) and Predicted Mean Vote (PMV). Results The results indicate that integrating the chosen Phase Change Material with passive design significantly lowers discomfort levels in micro-apartments. Four scenarios tested included: two layers of RT24HC PCM, one layer of RT24HC PCM with XPS insulation, two RT24HC PCM layers with window shading, and two RT24HC PCM layers with 1-meter overhang. The fourth scenario, achieving a 14.18% reduction in predicted discomfort (PPD%) and a Predicted Mean Vote of 1.3, highlights the potential of micro-apartments as an energy-efficient housing through effective PCM integration. Conclusion This study advocates for micro-apartment designs using RT24HC PCM tailored to Alexandria’s climate in Egypt to improve thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. It provides insights for architects, developers, and policymakers in Egypt, highlighting the importance of PCM in sustainable urban housing solutions.

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