News

The Dean of the College of Engineering Technologies, Asst. Prof. Dr. Azhar Mohsen Abd, together with a scientific research team, has published a high-quality research paper in the Energy and Buildings journal, indexed in Scopus, “A Review of Phase-Change Materials for Building Applications: Innovations, Assessments, and Design Implications.” The research presents a comprehensive review of Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) and their applications in modern buildings, with a focus on innovations in design, encapsulation techniques, and integration methods within walls and building envelopes to achieve higher thermal performance. The study highlights the significant role these materials play in reducing energy consumption and improving thermal comfort, aligning directly with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Research Abstract The paper provides a concise scientific overview of the latest advancements in PCM technologies, explaining how advanced encapsulation methods and high-performance materials have contributed to improving the stability, durability, and thermal characteristics of these systems. The study also discusses the challenges that still limit the widespread adoption of PCMs, such as long-term performance, economic feasibility, and scalability. Additionally, the research explores the integration of PCMs into smart and adaptive building systems, including design considerations, lifecycle analysis, environmental impact, and economic assessment. The importance of this review lies in linking theoretical foundations with practical applications and emphasizing the role of PCMs in supporting sustainable buildings and minimizing energy waste, while noting the ongoing need for collaborative research and development between universities, industry, and regulatory bodies. The significance of this work is further reflected in its focus on combining modern theoretical advancements with technological innovations in smart building materials, along with its relevance to Iraq’s climatic conditions, which are characterized by significant temperature variations. The study opens new research pathways for the department and the university in areas such as: – Thermal simulation studies of buildings under Iraq’s climate – Utilizing PCMs with locally available materials – Adopting practical solutions for sustainable building projects – Developing modern thermal design systems based on latent heat storage Publishing this work in a prestigious international journal represents a valuable addition to the scientific record of the Department of Power Mechanics Engineering Technologies and to Al-Mustaqbal University, enhancing its research presence in sustainable energy and advanced engineering fields. Research Link https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378778825013039?via%3Dihub