Experimental analysis on the active and passive cool roof systems for industrial buildings in Malaysia

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering 2018-09, Vol.19, p.134-141
• Main Authors: Yew, Ming Chian, Yew, Ming Kun, Saw, Lip Huat, Ng, Tan Ching, Chen, Kah Pin, Rajkumar, Durairaj, Beh, Jing Han
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attic temperature; Building energy performance; Cool roof; Moving air cavity; Thermal reflective coating
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2018.05.001

This piece of research presents the capability of active and passive cool roof systems, which is designed to reduce the heat transmission into an attic through the metal deck roofing for industrial buildings in Malaysia. In this study, an ideal cool roof system focusing on utilizing solar energy, cavity ventilation and thermal reflective coating (TRC) were employed and investigated. This technique is one of the most innovative and sustainable practices at reducing the energy consumption that provide buildings with comfortable indoor conditions through natural means. The four cool roof models were designed and built in active and passive systems to examine the effect of attic temperature reduction. Application of TRC can significantly reduce the heat absorption of the metal roof. The roof and attic temperatures of the roof models were measured to determine the performance of cool roof system. The roof design (d) results indicate a great reduction at about 15 °C in the attic air temperature compared to normal roof. The outstanding performance is due to the cool roof system that integrated TRC, improved moving air cavity (MAC)-solar powered fans and opened attic inlet comprise the ability to reflect the sunlight and circulate the hot air efficiently. •Active and passive cool roof system for attic temperature reduction is introduced.•15 °C temperature reduction achieved due to its efficient heat transfer mechanism.•Ventilation cavity of the roof is able to reduce the attic temperature.•This positive result is due to its efficient heat reflection and hot air rejection.•Thermal reflective coating incorporates the usage of eggshell waste as bio-filler.