An experimental investigation on passive and hybrid roof cooling systems with a double skin envelope

Abstract

ABSTRACT Indoor air temperatures and energy consumption of residential building is increasing at an alarming rate. The design and development of passive and hybrid roof cooling systems with effective cooling techniques play a vital role in improving the thermal performance especially in arid regions. This study investigates the energy efficiency of five laboratory models of double skin passive and hybrid roof cooling systems. A comparative study on the thermal performance of these five systems reveals a highest 14.5°C (41%) and 69oC (79%) reduction in the room and roof surface temperature with double skinned evaporative cooling roof system with forced convection. Similarly, significant reduction in room air and roof surface temperatures are also observed with the other types of double skin passive and hybrid roof cooling systems in comparison with the reference system. The studies have conclusively proven that the double skin passive and hybrid roof cooling systems can appreciably reduce the indoor air and roof surface temperature of residential and commercial buildings. Abbreviations RM: Reference Model; SAV: Standard air ventilated; CAV: Composite insulator air ventilated; FAV: Cooling fan air ventilated; EAV: Evaporative cooling air ventilated; ERAV: Evaporative cooling with radiation reflector Air ventilated