Solar Roof Cooling by Evaporation

Abstract

Evaporation is nature's way of cooling. By the application of a thin film of water, in the form of a mist, on the roof of the building, roof temperatures can be reduced from as high as 165o to a cool 86oF. Thus, under-roof temperatures are reduced from 120o F to 82o F. This presentation will include current engineering techniques, system designs and documented cases of 20% to 30% reduction in air-conditioning run time.

In non air-conditioned buildings heat stress, due to high internal temperatures and radiant heat, results in lower productivity, mistakes and absenteeism. Heat stress is caused by high temperature, humidity and radiant heat.

Evaporative roof cooling, by reducing the under roof temperature to 82o to 84o, eliminates the re radiant heat and turns the under-roof surface into a giant cooling panel.