Barriers Deterring the Commercialization of Phase Changing Materials (PCMs) in Sustainable Buildings and Opportunities for Techno-starters

Abstract

In spite of significant prospects for radical changes, Phase Changing Materials (PCMs) have yet to achieve high market penetration. These substances are capable of storing and releasing large amounts of heat. There are several applications for PCMs, none of which have penetrated mass markets. Energy efficient and sustainable buildings are becoming an emerging trend that is likely to grow in the future, and PCMs can play an important role if properly marketed. Using diffusion of innovation and patterns of innovation approach an analysis of existing niche applications in the market adaptation phase is conducted to describe the relevant actors and explain which factors stand in the way of mass application. Several research labs, companies and start-ups have invested in technological and market development for PCMs. They would like to see the PCM applications they developed gain greater market penetration. Six factors were identified which are currently impeding the development of PCMs. These were based on review of literature and summaries of interviews. Overcoming these barriers will influence market development. These factors are Marketing and increasing awareness, Economics, Regulations, Complementary technologies, International standard, and Ease to work with. We also identify gaps in the value chain which provide potentially promising opportunities for techno-starters to enter. These opportunities are to develop a new material which will make PCMs cheaper, or deliver better benefits. Another opportunity is to develop production processes which would make it cheaper to produce PCMs, especially in encapsulated form. Also, techno-starters could develop a new product based on PCMs and bring it to the market directly. One such techno-starter, Artica Technologies, successfully introduced decentral air ventilation unit based on PCM. Their device can be used instead of or as a complement to traditional HVAC systems.