Innovative Cool Roofing Technologies System for Buildings

Principal Investigator: Ts. Dr. Yew Ming Chian

Co Researchers: Ts. Dr. Yew Ming Kun, Ir Ts Dr Bernard Saw Lip Huat, Dr Tan Woei Chong, Dr Teoh Choe Yung

Cool roof system for buildings is a roofing system that can deliver high reflectance, which has the ability to the visible, infrared and ultraviolet wavelength of the sun in reducing heat to the building. Additionally, it should provide the ability to release a large percentage of absorbed, or non-reflected solar energy due to its high thermal emittance feature. An innovative cool roofing technologies system play a significant role in moving towards a low-carbon cleaner world, as energy conservation through building energy efficiency has acquired prime importance to mother earth. There are four main aspects for improving energy efficiency in building cooling are as follows: (i) nearly zero energy passive building roof design, (ii) usage of low thermal conductivity roofing materials, (ii) utilization of smart technologies and energy-efficient equipment for cool roof systems and (iv) integration of active and passive cooling roof technology systems for long term sustainable development. Hence, the sustainability assessment of buildings is becoming necessary for sustainable development, especially in the building sector, all over the world. The main goals of developing building cooling technologies are to reduce depletion of critical resources, such as electricity and raw materials, resulting in a lower carbon footprint, to prevent environmental degradation caused by facilities, infrastructure, and greenhouse gas emissions; and to create built environments that are safe, productive, and effectively utilize renewable energy. The aim of this research project is to present new findings and new proven practice aimed at reducing the energy needs of industry buildings by improving indoor comfortability and environmental quality for occupants. In this experimental work, there are six small-scale cool roof models will be constructed to investigate the roof and attic temperatures reduction. This cool roofing technology system will be integrated with (1) lightweight foam concrete roof tile, (2) thermal reflective coating (TRC), (3) MAC ventilation, (4) solar-powered fans, (5) rockwool and (6) opened attic inlet. Each element will be added in stages at different cool roof model designs by comparing their respective performance and mechanism of heat transmission towards the attic temperature reduction.