Keywords
micro-apartment, affordable housing, energy efficiency, thermal comfort, RT24HC PCM
-
Views
-
Downloads
How to cite this article
Yasser A, Hany N and Mosaad G. Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Micro-Apartments using Phase Change Materials: A Case Study in Alexandria, Egypt [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2025, 14:112 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.160274.1)
NOTE: If applicable, it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
Export Citation
Sciwheel
EndNote
Ref. Manager
Bibtex
ProCite
Sente
▬
✚
Case Study
Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Micro-Apartments using Phase Change Materials: A Case Study in Alexandria, Egypt
[version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]
PUBLISHED 20 Jan 2025
OPEN PEER REVIEW
REVIEWER STATUS
This article is included in the Energy gateway.
Abstract
Corresponding author:
Ayah Yasser
Competing interests:
No competing interests were disclosed.
Grant information:
The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work.
Copyright:
© 2025 Yasser A et al.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
How to cite: Yasser A, Hany N and Mosaad G. Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Micro-Apartments using Phase Change Materials: A Case Study in Alexandria, Egypt [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2025, 14:112 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.160274.1)
First published: 20 Jan 2025, 14:112 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.160274.1)
Latest published: 20 Jan 2025, 14:112 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.160274.1)
Introduction
The quality of indoor environments significantly influences both productivity and health, as individuals typically spend around 80% of their lives indoors.1 Housing is acknowledged as a fundamental necessity for human well-being and plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable community development. It encompasses vital aspects related to the environment, economy, and society.2 However, the challenge of obtaining adequate housing has become increasingly pronounced for various segments of Egyptian society, particularly among low-income groups. A prevalent issue affects most residents in both middle and low-income housing areas. The government’s inability to fulfil the housing needs of the population, exacerbated by a rising population and an increasing number of families, has intensified these challenges.3
The housing crisis is extensive in scope. By the year 2050, the urban population is expected to grow by approximately 2.5 billion individuals, with around 90% of this rise projected to occur in Asia and Africa.4 Presently, Egypt’s energy sector is facing numerous challenges that often overlap and conflict with one another. In recent years, the energy usage in Egypt has undergone a significant reversal, and the economy has not yet fully stabilized. Energy consumption in Egypt is escalating at a rate of about 5%, with projections indicating a potential increase from 60 million tons of oil equivalent (MTOE) to 135 MTOE by 2030. The surge in urban populations, rising income levels, and heightened expectations for comfort have significantly driven up electricity consumption in the housing sector, which is experiencing an annual growth rate of approximately 7%. These challenges are summarized in Table 1. Consequently, the housing sector emerges as one of the most critical areas for development and the largest consumer of energy.5
Table 1. Major obstacles representing the significance of the housing sector as the largest energy consumer4,5 [Adapted by the researchers].
Research problem
Egypt is confronted with severe housing shortages as a result of rapid population growth, low wages and rising living expenses. The situation is made more difficult by frequent power outages caused by excessive energy consumption. In order to improve energy efficiency in construction, phase change materials (PCM) will be investigated as a wall insulating solution in conjunction with passive design techniques. Additionally, the idea of micro-apartments, which are 40 square meters on average, provides a small-scale and financially feasible housing option though its success in other nations has largely prevented it from being explored in Egypt, this is due to the devaluation of the Egyptian pound currency that has significantly impacted everyday citizens, particularly those in the middle and lower classes, hence, leading to increased prices for essential goods and services where many families are struggling financially, as wage growth has not kept pace with rising costs.
Research aim
The research aims to investigate two energy-efficient concepts that are not widely commonly used in Egypt: phase change materials (PCM) and micro-apartments. It aims to examine the thermal comfort using the application of RT24HC PCM in walls in the residential sector with the addition of passive design strategies. This promotes innovative housing solutions in Egypt, specifically Alexandria, by increasing awareness among researchers and designers.
Methods
The study examines the effectiveness of Phase Change Material (PCM) and utilizes a 40 square meter micro-apartment prototype as a case study located in Alexandria, Egypt. The research study is divided into two distinct sections: Literature Review and the application on a Case Study.
Literature review
The literature review will cover various key topics such as definitions of affordable housing, micro-apartments and phase change materials. It will also address the essential functional needs of micro-apartments and discuss the current state of affordable housing in Egypt, focusing on affordability issues. Following this, the literature will define passive design particularly emphasizing thermal insulation related to Phase Change Materials (PCMs). An overview of PCMs will include the impact of PCMs on building construction with the focus on residential walls and will then finally explore the application of PCMs in Egypt and the specific factors influencing PCM selection in the country.
Case study
The second part of the research focuses on a case study of a proposed 40 square meter micro-apartment in Alexandria, Egypt. It simulates the impact of the RT24HC Phase Change Material (PCM) on thermal comfort metrics, Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfaction (PPD%), using Design Builder software. The study tests the base case as well as four scenarios involving PCM and selective passive cooling strategies for the apartment’s walls only which are:
1. Base Case: A standard wall without insulation.
2. Scenario One: Two layers of RT24HC PCM.
3. Scenario Two: One layer of RT24HC PCM combined with one layer of traditional XPS insulation, as per the Egyptian Energy Code.
4. Scenario Three: Two layers of RT24HC PCM along with window shading using highly reflective slat blinds.
5. Scenario Four: Two layers of RT24HC PCM paired with a local shading overhang extending one meter horizontally.
The research methodology assesses the effectiveness of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and selective passive design strategies to enhance thermal comfort in micro-apartments in Egypt. Simulations using Design Builder software, version 7.0.2.006 with an Energy Plus 9.4 plugin, will evaluate the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Percentage of People Dissatisfied (PPD%) for a 40 sqm micro-apartment case study in Alexandria, focusing on how these materials and strategies impact the thermal environment.
Literature review
Micro-apartment as a housing solution
Micro-apartments are compact living spaces under standard sanitary regulations, typically ranging from 280 to 450 square feet, designed for efficiency and space conservation.6,7 They generally measure 15-30 m2, accommodating one or two occupants with essential amenities.8 The growing interest in micro-apartments reflects the need for affordable housing solutions in urban areas.9
Features of micro-apartments
Living alone in cities is increasingly common, with one-third of urban residents choosing micro-apartments for one or two occupants. These units prioritize sustainable living through multifunctional furniture and thoughtful design, including high ceilings and large windows to enhance space perception.6,7 Vertical space is optimized with convertible furniture and storage solutions.10 Careful design elements improve comfort while addressing social interaction challenges.8 Micro-apartments, classified as compact living spaces by the British Property Federation, must include essential elements for functionality, as shown in Figure 1. These units are designed for one or two occupants and emphasize efficient use of space through thoughtful design.11
Figure 1. Micro-living standards [By the researchers].
Affordable housing issues in Egypt
Egypt’s affordable housing crisis arises from limited access for low-income individuals, high price-to-income ratios, and a mismatch between supply and demand, complicating adequate housing provision.12–14 Contributing factors include:
1. Rapid population growth
2. Poverty rates
3. Income levels
4. Rental costs
5. Refugees
6. Urbanization trends
7. Slums
8. Annual Housing Shortage
Table 2 illustrates key affordability issues in Egypt, hence, discussing the research problem to the urge need of implementing micro-apartments.15
PCM’s overview
The potential of phase change materials (PCMs) and thermal energy storage to lower global energy demands is drawing attention.18 During phase transitions, PCMs absorb and release thermal energy stabilizing temperatures, enhancing efficiency with passive techniques like natural ventilation.19 They absorb heat when melting and release it upon solidification.20 Figure 2 illustrates this process. PCMs serve as effective latent heat storage materials due to their high heat of fusion,21 whereas Figure 3 shows how PCMs are divided into three groups: eutectic, inorganic, and organic.18,22
Figure 2. PCM cycle23 [Adapted by the researchers].
Figure 3. PCM categorization24 [Adapted by the researchers].
Impact of PCMs on building wall construction emphasizing on residential buildings
The optimal location for Phase Change Materials in building walls is illustrated in Figure 4, emphasizing their placement on the exterior and middle surfaces in hot climates to absorb external heat before it enters indoors.25 This arrangement enhances thermal performance and maximizes energy savings.
Figure 4. Optimal PCM location in building walls in hot climates [By the researchers].
Application of PCMs in Egypt
Paraffin is the most common Phase Change Material in Mediterranean climates, used 87.5% of the time for its adaptability and high latent heat.19 Egypt’s climate is classified as BWh (hot dry desert), indicating intense summer heat and minimal precipitation, hence, Table 3 highlights key factors for applying Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in Egyptian buildings, considering the country’s hot and dry climate:
Essential guidelines for PCM and passive strategies in residential housing in Mediterranean cities
Previous research on PCMs in Mediterranean cities reveals important guidelines for effectively using PCM and passive strategies in housing design, as shown in Table 4.
Table 4. Crucial guidelines for PCM and passive strategies in residential housing in Mediterranean cities [By the researchers].
Case study
Egypt’s housing heavily relies on air conditioning, leading to high energy costs.30 This paper research aims to reduce energy consumption and enhance thermal efficiency by testing a 40 square meter micro-apartment with PCM-insulated walls and passive design strategies. Comparing scenarios with and without PCM with the addition of passive design will identify the most energy-efficient sustainable housing solution.
Bioclimatic chart analysis and thermal comfort in Alexandria, Egypt
This study examines Alexandria’s bioclimatic chart using Climate Consultant v.6.0, generating a psychrometric graph from meteorological data. This graph highlights potential bioclimatic design strategies to improve indoor thermal comfort, as illustrated in Figure 5, showcasing effective passive design methods.
Figure 5. Bioclimatic analysis of Alexandria's climate using climate consultant [By the researchers].
Figure 5, analysed by the researchers, shows that only 20.8% of the year was within Alexandria’s climate comfort zone. The following passive design techniques were assessed in an effort to increase thermal comfort using Climate Consultant v.6.0 software by the researchers:
• Applying internal heat gains might result in a 36.8% increase in pleasant hours, notably in the winter.
• Sun shading from windows could enhance comfort by 17.6%, especially during summer.
• Natural ventilation and cooling allowed for 12.8% of the comfort.
• Night flushing using significant thermal mass improved comfort by 6.9%.
• The combination of high thermal mass and passive solar exposure could boost comfort by 13.7%, resulting in 77% of hours pleasant.
However, these conclusions were confined to general recommendations based on climate data analysis. The building case study’s particular design parameters will be further investigated in order to determine the best solutions.
Alexandria’s climate in Egypt
Positioned within latitudes 22°N and 32°N and the longitudes 25°E and 35°E, lies Egypt, with a hot climate. The Housing and Building Research Centre identifies eight climatic regions. Alexandria experiences summer highs of 32°C to 34°C and a transitioning climate from hot desert to semi-arid, with high humidity around 70% due to the Mediterranean Sea.31–33
Case study description of the micro-apartment proposed model
The simulation focuses on a 40 square meter micro-apartment model, the largest size for this prototype space, located in a four-story residential building in Alexandria, Egypt. This unit, positioned directly below the roof, allows for testing under challenging conditions. Essential features include a bed, kitchen, and bathroom to ensure minimal spatial comfort. A basic model plan34 was taken as a reference to implement the proposed micro-apartment design layout. The design emphasizes flexibility to meet occupants’ specific requirements, highlighting the importance of adaptable layouts to enhance comfort and functionality in compact living spaces.
The micro-apartment floor plan in Figure 6 features four mirrored identical units per floor, each 40 square meters, including a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom with multipurpose furniture for efficient space use.
Figure 6. Typical floor plan of the proposed micro-apartment residential building [By the researchers].
The 5m x 8m configuration is optimal for a 40 sqm micro-apartment due to:
• Better use of space: The square shape allows for flexible furniture placement and efficient use of the floor area compared to a long, narrow layout.
• Improved natural light and ventilation: More perimeter wall space accommodates larger windows for better illumination and airflow.
• Enhanced sense of openness: Less elongated proportions create a more open, airy feel within the micro-apartment.
• More optimal utilization: The layout configuration maximizes the available space.
Design builder project file settings of the proposed micro-apartment case study
The 40 square meter micro-apartment model in Alexandria, Egypt, addresses energy efficiency and thermal comfort challenges posed by its hot, humid Mediterranean climate. Many local housing projects lack proper planning, making this simulation essential for improving residential energy performance.
The Egyptian Construction Law mandates a minimum internal ceiling height of 2.7 meters for the 40 square meter micro-apartment, hence, this research uses 3 meters.35 The micro-apartment proposed unit to be simulated is shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7. Micro-apartment unit model used in the simulation [By the researchers].
Data entry
Design Builder 7.0.2.006 with an Energy Plus 9.4 plugin is the software used to simulate energy in this case study. It accurately models the building’s environmental conditions yearly, monthly, daily and hourly, including humidity, lighting, thermal balance, and energy consumption.
Activity
The activity of each space is specified accurately as well as the number of users, occupancy density, metabolic rate as shown in Table 5.
Table 5. Specifications for the micro-apartment activity in design builder [By the researchers].
| Activity | |
|---|---|
| Template | Domestic Circulation – Residential Spaces |
| Number of Users | 2 users minimum |
| Occupancy Density (people/m2) | 0.16 people/m2 |
| Metabolic Rate | 0.925 (Assuming 2 adults, 1 man and 1 woman) |
Construction
Construction data, including materials for walls, slabs, and roofs, is crucial for accurate simulation. The U-value and insulation levels significantly affect energy use, as they transfer heat. Table 6 displays the building materials used in the Design Builder program.
Table 6. Specifications for the micro-apartment activity in design builder [By the researchers].
Openings
Heat gain and loss through windows significantly impact energy consumption, especially in warm climates where solar heat is a major contributor. Accurate simulation requires precise glazing and shading details, as illustrated in Table 7, particularly relevant for Alexandria, Egypt.
Table 7. Openings materials assigned in design builder [By the researchers].
| Openings | |
|---|---|
| External Door | Plywood Lightweight, 50 mm thickness |
| Windows | Single glazing, clear, no shading on windows with aluminium frame |
HVAC
Passive design techniques were prioritized due to restrictions on HVAC systems and mechanical ventilation, addressing affordability issues in Alexandria. This approach aims to reduce energy consumption and mitigate power outages. The HVAC settings used in the program are listed in Table 8 below.
Table 8. Openings materials assigned in design builder [By the researchers].
| HVAC | |
|---|---|
| HVAC Template | Natural Ventilation, No heating or Cooling |
| Mechanical Ventilation | Checked off |
| Heating and Cooling | Checked off |
| Humidity Control | Checked off |
| Natural Ventilation | Checked on |
The study utilizes RT-category phase change materials (PCMs), specifically RT24HC from Rubitherm, which has an adjustable melting temperature between -10°C and 90°C.36 This PCM is optimal for Egypt’s high temperatures, enabling effective thermal management and energy savings.37
Case study simulation results
The simulation ran from January 1 to December 31, testing four scenarios on PCM material and passive cooling strategies for the micro-apartment unit’s walls, summarized in Table 9.
• Base Case: A baseline by using a standard wall without any insulation layers.
• Scenario One: Incorporating two layers of RT24HC PCM material into the base case wall.
• Scenario Two: Implementing one layer of RT24HC PCM material combined with one layer of traditional XPS insulation, as specified by the Egyptian energy code.
• Scenario Three: Adding two layers of RT24HC PCM material along with window shading, utilizing blinds that feature high reflectivity slats.
• Scenario Four: Integrating two layers of RT24HC PCM material along with a local shading overhang, which extends 1 meter horizontally from the exterior wall of the building.
Table 9. Simulation scenarios with the incorporation of PCM and passive strategies in design builder [By the researchers].
The maximum PCM layer thickness in the simulation used is 30 mm, as greater thicknesses yield diminishing returns and potential drawbacks that were tested by the researchers while conducting the simulations, hence, this indicates that 30 mm PCM thickness is optimal for thermal performance and energy efficiency. Figures 8 to 11 illustrate wall section diagrams for the base case and the other scenarios, including window shading blinds and a local overhang with a 1-meter projection properties.
Figure 8. Wall section – base case [By the researchers].
Figure 9. Wall section – Scenario 1 on the left, Scenario 2 on the right [By the researchers].
Figure 10. Wall section – Scenario 3 with window shading properties [By the researchers].
Figure 11. Wall section – Scenario 4 with local shading overhang 1-meter horizontal projection properties [By the researchers].
Table 10 shows variations in results compared to the base case across four scenarios, highlighting PPD% values on the hot scale with fluctuating trends.
Table 10. PPD% values on hot scale for all four scenarios in design builder [By the researchers].
| Simulation Scenarios | MAX Fanger PMV on hot scale | MAX Fanger PPD% on hot scale |
|---|---|---|
| Base Case | 1.43 | 47.08% |
| S1 | 1.39 | 44.94% |
| S2 | 1.4 | 45.28% |
| S3 | 1.36 | 43.42% |
| S4 | 1.3 | 40.41% |
A challenge with phase change materials (PCMs) in residential sectors is annual temperature variability, as most systems are optimized for summer or winter. This study analyses PMV and PPD% values during hot months to enhance summer comfort and reduce air conditioning demand. The PMV scalability variables are presented in Table 11. A PMV of -3 represents a cool feeling, while a PMV of 3 implies a hot sensation.
Table 11. PMV scaling parameters [By the researchers].
| Parameter | PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) |
|---|---|
| Cold | -3 |
| Cool | -2 |
| Acceptably Cool | -1 |
| Neutral (Comfortable) | 0 |
| Acceptably Warm | 1 |
| Warm | 2 |
| Hot | 3 |
Figure 12 highlights variations from the base case scenario, emphasizing summer months to enhance thermal comfort and reduce dissatisfaction with phase change materials (PCMs). This strategy aims to lower air conditioning reliance and energy consumption, addressing recent power outages in Egypt, particularly Alexandria. Figures 13 to 17 display PMV and PPD Fanger charts from Design Builder for all scenarios.
Figure 12. PMV values for four scenarios on hot scale from design builder [By the researchers].
Figure 13. PPD and PMV values for base case scenario from design builder [By the researchers].
Figure 14. PPD and PMV values for Scenario 1 from design builder [By the researchers].
Figure 15. PPD and PMV values for Scenario 2 from design builder [By the researchers].
Figure 16. PPD and PMV values for Scenario 3 from design builder [By the researchers].
Figure 17. PPD and PMV values for Scenario 4 from design builder [By the researchers].
The analysis of four scenarios for a micro-apartment provides valuable insights into enhancing thermal comfort. The base case without insulation has a Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) of 1.43 and a Percentage of People Dissatisfied (PPD) of 47.08%. Scenario 1, adding two layers of RT24HC phase change material (PCM), improves PMV to 1.39 and reduces PPD to 44.94%. Scenario 2, combining one layer of RT24HC PCM with traditional XPS insulation, achieves a PMV of 1.40 and PPD of 45.28%. Scenario 3 incorporates two layers of RT24HC PCM with high reflectivity slat blinds, yielding a PMV of 1.36 and reducing PPD to 43.42%. The most effective scenario, Scenario 4, combines two layers of RT24HC PCM with a one-meter horizontal overhang, resulting in a PMV of 1.30 and a PPD of 40.41%, marking a significant reduction in discomfort.
The findings highlight the importance of integrating PCM and shading strategies to improve indoor thermal comfort in hot regions like Egypt, with Scenario 4 being the most effective as shown in Table 12 and Figure 12.
Table 12. PPD% changes of the four scenarios with respect to the base case scenario [By the researchers].
| Scenarios | PPD change (%) – percentage of energy reduction |
|---|---|
| Base Case | - |
| S1 | 4.54% |
| S2 | 3.81% |
| S3 | 7.57% |
| S4 | 14.18% |
This holistic approach enhances indoor comfort and energy efficiency by combining effective insulation and shading strategies, promoting occupant satisfaction and sustainability through a comprehensive passive cooling strategy that reduces energy consumption in residential spaces. The percentage of energy reduction for each scenario compared to the base case is shown in Table 12 and Figure 18 below. This indicates how much energy is reduced in each scenario compared to the base case, with Scenario 4 showing the highest reduction percentage at approximately 14.18%.
Figure 18. Energy consumption reduction for each scenario compared to the base case [By the researchers].
Conclusions and Recommendations
The introduction of micro apartments combined with phase change materials (PCMs) and passive strategies offers an affordable housing solution in Alexandria, Egypt, addressing the city’s housing challenges and power cuts. Micro apartments provide compact, cost-effective living spaces, while PCMs enhance thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. PCMs regulate indoor temperatures, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling and contributing to energy savings, especially during hot summers when power cuts are common. The integration of insulation, shading, and PCMs represents a powerful passive cooling strategy, working synergistically to improve thermal performance and occupant comfort while decreasing energy demands. This comprehensive approach leads to more sustainable and comfortable living environments, making micro apartments a promising solution for affordable housing in Alexandria.
To attempt to figure out which passive design solutions will perform most effectively in Alexandria, Egypt, a bioclimatic chart has been examined for the case study. According to the visual chart, the most beneficial techniques to improve thermal comfort in Alexandria will be to maximise internal heat gain, maximise natural ventilation, and install window shadings. The case study concentrates on a recommended model of a single, 40 square metre micro-apartment that incorporates basic necessities in a limited space and is specifically designed for the climate of Alexandria, a Mediterranean city. There are four floors within this low-rise building, along with every unit will accommodate two individuals in a minimum.
The findings indicated that the most impactful scenario for enhancing thermal comfort in the micro-apartment unit was Scenario 4, which incorporated two layers of RT24HC PCM tailored to Egypt’s climate in Alexandria. This scenario also featured a 1-meter overhang for local shading, resulting in a PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) of 1.3 on the hot scale, focusing specifically on summer months. Additionally, it achieved a PPD (Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied) of 40.41%, reflecting a reduction of 14.18% compared to the base case. This scenario demonstrates how effectively integrating PCM and shading strategies can significantly improve indoor thermal comfort, particularly during the hotter months. By reducing peak temperatures and enhancing overall energy efficiency, these design choices provide a practical solution to the challenges posed by the Mediterranean climate in Alexandria, Egypt.
To enhance the effectiveness of phase change materials (PCMs) in micro-apartments in Alexandria, several recommendations are proposed:
• Modular PCM Panels: Develop easily installable and removable modular PCM panels for seasonal adaptability.
• Public Awareness: Promote education on the benefits of micro-apartments and PCM technologies through campaigns and workshops.
• Collaboration: Engage local authorities and stakeholders to integrate these technologies into urban development plans.
• Ongoing Research: Foster continuous research and development to optimize micro-apartment design and PCM technologies.
Download
Export To
metrics
| Views | Downloads | |
|---|---|---|
| F1000Research | - | - |
|
PubMed Central
Data from PMC are received and updated monthly.
|
- | - |
Citations
CITE
how to cite this article
Yasser A, Hany N and Mosaad G. Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Micro-Apartments using Phase Change Materials: A Case Study in Alexandria, Egypt [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2025, 14:112 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.160274.1)
NOTE: If applicable, it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
track
receive updates on this article
Track an article to receive email alerts on any updates to this article.
Open Peer Review
Current Reviewer Status:
Key to Reviewer Statuses
VIEW
HIDE
ApprovedThe paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations
A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approvedFundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
Version 1
VERSION 1
PUBLISHED 20 Jan 2025
Views
2
How to cite this report:
Islam A. Reviewer Report For: Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Micro-Apartments using Phase Change Materials: A Case Study in Alexandria, Egypt [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2025, 14:112 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.176141.r365781)
The direct URL for this report is:
https://f1000research.com/articles/14-112/v1#referee-response-365781
https://f1000research.com/articles/14-112/v1#referee-response-365781
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in this citation.
Reviewer Report 17 Mar 2025
Anas Islam,
Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
Approved with Reservations
VIEWS 2
1. The introduction lacks a clear research gap. Clearly state what specific problem in Alexandria’s housing sector this study addresses and how it contributes beyond existing research on PCMs in similar climates.
2. Specify whether the prototype is ... Continue reading
2. Specify whether the prototype is ... Continue reading
CITE
HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Islam A. Reviewer Report For: Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Micro-Apartments using Phase Change Materials: A Case Study in Alexandria, Egypt [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2025, 14:112 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.176141.r365781)
The direct URL for this report is:
https://f1000research.com/articles/14-112/v1#referee-response-365781
https://f1000research.com/articles/14-112/v1#referee-response-365781
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
Comments on this article Comments (0)