Smart Ceilings with Thermal Energy Storage: How Phase Change Material Technology Saves Energy, Reduces Carbon & Unlocks Federal Tax Credits

For our latest SVL Coffee Break, we welcomed Lauren Pataky and Deborah Pickens with Armstrong World Industries to explore how phase change material (PCM) thermal energy storage is transforming an unexpected part of commercial buildings: the ceiling.

Armstrong’s ULTIMA® TEMPLOK® Energy Saving Ceilings integrate phase change material into acoustical ceiling panels, allowing the ceiling to passively absorb, store and release thermal energy as indoor temperatures change.

The result is a ceiling system designed to improve thermal comfort, reduce HVAC energy consumption, manage peak cooling loads and support building decarbonization goals—while potentially qualifying projects for valuable federal energy tax incentives.

Turning the Ceiling into Thermal Energy Storage

Phase change material functions as a form of thermal mass. Traditional buildings relied on materials such as stone, brick and concrete to absorb and release heat. Modern commercial buildings often have considerably less thermal mass.

TEMPLOK brings that capability into the ceiling.

As building temperatures rise, the PCM absorbs heat that would otherwise contribute to the cooling load. As temperatures fall, that stored thermal energy is released, allowing the material to reset for another cycle.

During the webinar, Armstrong shared case studies demonstrating measurable reductions in peak indoor temperatures and above-ceiling temperatures. Depending on the building, climate and operating strategy, this ability to shift thermal energy can help flatten and delay peak HVAC loads.

Reducing HVAC Energy Use and Peak Loads

For mechanical engineers, the technology becomes especially interesting when considering HVAC system design, equipment sizing and control sequences.

Armstrong reports potential building energy savings of up to 15%, depending on the application. The webinar also explored how engineers can model TEMPLOK performance using IES energy modeling software or incorporate Armstrong’s calculations into other building energy modeling platforms.

Because every building behaves differently, factors including climate, occupancy, temperature setpoints, ceiling coverage and HVAC operating schedules should be evaluated on a project-by-project basis.

For new construction, that analysis can begin early enough to consider how thermal storage could affect peak heating and cooling loads and HVAC equipment selection.

Improving Thermal Comfort and Acoustics

Energy savings aren’t the only benefit.

By absorbing and releasing heat across the ceiling plane, PCM can help moderate indoor temperature swings and create more consistent thermal conditions throughout occupied spaces.

TEMPLOK can also provide additional sound-blocking performance. Armstrong explained that the PCM backing can increase Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC), helping reduce sound transfer between adjacent spaces where walls do not extend completely to the deck.

That combination of thermal comfort, HVAC efficiency and acoustic performance creates opportunities for offices, schools, universities, healthcare facilities and other commercial buildings.

Supporting Building Decarbonization Goals

Thermal energy storage can also play a role in reducing a building’s operational carbon footprint.

By shifting thermal loads and reducing HVAC energy consumption, PCM ceilings can help building owners pursue energy-efficiency, sustainability, LEED and operational carbon-reduction goals.

Armstrong also discussed the product’s embodied carbon. According to the presentation, energy savings can offset the embodied carbon associated with manufacturing the system within approximately one to five years, depending on the application.

Potential 48E Federal Tax Credits

One of the webinar’s biggest discussions centered on Section 48E federal energy tax credits and thermal energy storage.

According to Armstrong, qualifying TEMPLOK installations may be eligible for federal incentives associated with thermal energy storage. Potential qualifying project costs may extend beyond the PCM panels themselves to supporting components and installation labor.

Tax eligibility depends on the project, ownership structure, location, prevailing requirements and current federal tax rules. Building owners should work with qualified tax professionals to determine eligibility and available incentives before making financial decisions.

A New Tool for Commercial HVAC Design

TEMPLOK demonstrates how building materials traditionally considered architectural can increasingly become part of the mechanical and energy strategy of a building.

For engineers, architects and building owners, phase change material provides another tool for managing thermal loads, improving occupant comfort, reducing HVAC energy use and advancing decarbonization goals.

Interested in evaluating phase change material thermal energy storage for your next commercial HVAC project? Connect with your SVL Sales Engineer to discuss the application, energy modeling, ceiling layout and potential energy savings.

Don’t Miss the Next SVL Coffee Break

SVL Coffee Break webinars provide practical engineering insights for commercial HVAC professionals.

Topics include:

• HVAC system optimization
• Building automation and controls
• Indoor air quality and ventilation
• Heat pumps and electrification
• Geothermal heating and cooling
• Hydronic system design
• Pump technology and efficiency
• Heat recovery and energy recovery
• Refrigerant technologies and transitions
• Data center cooling
• Building decarbonization strategies
• Emerging commercial HVAC technologies

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