Impact of using cool paints on energy demand and thermal comfort of a residential building

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Vítor Leal (Author) FEUP; Adélio Mendes (Author) FEUP; Diana Dias (Author) Other; João Machado (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Applied Thermal Engineering

Vol. 65 No. 1-2

Pages: 273-281

ISSN: 1359-4311

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 23 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 34 Citations

INSPEC

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Chemical engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Chemical engineering

Associated Projects

UI0511 - PROJECTO ESTRATÉGICO - UI 511 - 2013-2014

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-4AD

DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2013.12.056

Abstract (EN): This work studies the impact of using cool paints and/or thermal insulation on the thermal behavior and energy demand of a residential building. Buildings with thermal characteristics representing both old and new constructions are considered. The results were obtained using the dynamic computer simulator ESP-r. Recommendations for designers and/or house-owners in terms of deciding the best thermal comfort solution are withdrawn. For a case-study building in Portugal, in the summer, it was found that an increase in roof and façade value of total solar reflectance (TSR) from 50% to 92% reduced the maximum indoor free-float temperature between 2.0 C and 4.7 C in old construction (without thermal insulation), and between 1.2 C and 3.0 C in new construction (with thermal insulation). This had as a trade-off effect the decrease of the minimum indoor temperature of up to 1.5 C. The results of annual energy demand for heating showed a maximum penalty of about 30% when using cool paints. However, it was demonstrated that the cooling demand almost vanishes, eliminating the need to install air-conditioning devices. The analysis of specific real hot weather time periods showed that the maximum altitude of the sun, which is related to the month of the year, determines the solution that originates the highest temperature reduction. As the maximum sun altitude decreases the cool paints show comparatively better results.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

Notes: Publicação abrangida pelo Journal Citation Reports 2015

No. of pages: 9