The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is proud to highlight the achievement of graduate student Dudley Williams, graduate student from the Department of Physics in Faculty of Science and Technology, whose  paper, “Assessing PCM Melting Range for Passive Cooling in Tropical Climate: An Infrared Thermography Approach Using Jamaican Climate Data” (ID: 102), has been selected as one of the best papers presented at the ICSC CITIES 2025 Conference. The paper has been invited for publication in the Springer Proceedings in Energy Series, a highly reputable international academic publication.

 

 

Williams’ research has been widely commended for its scientific rigour, clarity, and strong relevance to real-world climate challenges, marking an exceptional accomplishment for a graduate researcher. Selection for inclusion in a Springer volume underscores the high quality and impact of his work, and reflects the strength of graduate research being produced at UWI.

 

The study explores innovative, low-energy approaches to addressing heat stress in Jamaican homes through the use of phase change materials (PCMs)—materials that absorb heat during the day and release it at night, thereby reducing reliance on electricity-intensive air conditioning systems. Using infrared thermography combined with Jamaican climate data, the research identified PCM melting ranges that are most effective under local conditions.

 

 

Key findings revealed that in Manchester, where night-time temperatures are cooler, PCMs with melting points between 24–27 °C recharge reliably. In Clarendon, where nights are warmer, effective performance was limited to PCMs with melting points closer to 27 °C. The study also demonstrated that increased airflow, through natural ventilation or the use of fans, significantly enhances the recovery and effectiveness of PCMs, particularly those with melting points above 25 °C.

 

The work provides a strong foundation for passive cooling strategies tailored to Jamaica’s unique climate and stands as a proud moment for both Dudley Williams and the wider UWI research community.