Coimbra, Portugal, July 30, 2025 (Lusa) - An international project led by the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC) aims to increase the energy efficiency of Portuguese homes through materials that act as “thermal batteries”.
Called “Optimising Energy Efficiency with PCM Integration in Portuguese Residences (3D-EE-Struct)”, the project will integrate phase change materials (PCMs) into construction components such as walls, ceilings and floors to make homes more energy efficient, the FCTUC revealed in a note sent to the Lusa news agency on Wednesday.
These materials act as “thermal batteries”, naturally regulating the indoor temperature by storing heat during the day and releasing it when necessary. They enhance reliance on active heating and cooling systems, said Ajitanshu Vedrtnam, a researcher at the Association for the Development of Industrial Aerodynamics (ADAI) at FCTUC, as the note quotes.
"3D-EE-Struct focuses particularly on lightweight building structures adapted to the Portuguese climate and its main objectives are to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in homes, develop practical and validated strategies for the integration of PCMs in new buildings and renovations, and optimise the location and type of PCM," the expert described.
The project also seeks to provide solutions that improve indoor thermal comfort while significantly reducing energy bills.
According to Nelson Soares, professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at FCTUC and researcher at ADAI, the expectation is to achieve “energy savings of up to 25% in heating/cooling needs in small dwellings”.
The team also intends to validate the simulation models using a real apartment in Coimbra, provide support for affordable and climate-adapted housing solutions, promote greater reliance on natural heating and cooling methods, and make available new scientific tools and structures that will benefit future research and commercial applications in the sustainable construction sector.
The University of Coimbra coordinates 3D-EE-Struct, and experts from Portugal, the United States, Slovakia and India collaborate on it; the project has received a grant of approximately €173,000 under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships, awarded by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) through the Horizon Europe programme.
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