A methodology for investigating the effectiveness of PCM wallboards for summer thermal comfort in buildings

► Phase change materials (PCMs) can be useful to improve summer thermal comfort in lightweight buildings. ► The introduction of appropriate statistical indicators allows evaluating their performance on a more comprehensive basis. ► A simulated case study is presented with the aim of showing the use and the utility of the proposed methodology. ► Even if the Frequency of Activation of the PCM wallboards keeps high, its average storage efficiency can be quite low. ► The proposed methodology allows the detection of the optimal melting range for the PCM to be installed.