Thermal performance evaluation of a cool roof model in hot – dry climate

Abstract

Roof is an essential component of the building envelope which is exposed direct solar radiation and contributes to the maximum load of the total cooling load of the building; and is an essential interface between the indoor and outdoor environments and to be strong enough to withstand all weather conditions; and it covered nearly 20–25% of overall urban surface areas. In the hot and summer seasons, the components of the building envelope must be designed to minimize the discomfort. Recently, many studies were revealed and showed that there can be different solutions to the excessive heat problem through the roof. But in Sudan, no significant research was conducted for cool roofs scenario, so more comprehensive experimental and simulation analyses need to be performed for different climatic zones to establish cool roof standards specific to the Sudan context in the future. The requirement of thermal comfort is a primary need in residential buildings located on hot-dry climates. The thermal performance of cool roof model will be analysed in terms of indoor temperature compared to Flat roof configuration of Reinforced Concrete (R.C), plaster, and cool paint roof for hot –dry climate, Indore, Khartoum state, Sudan. The study aims to assess the impact of the cool roof on the indoor temperature of buildings, on the other hand indicates that a cool roof performed better for indoor temperature profile and maintains a thermal comfort in buildings. Thermal performance modelling was undertaken for analysed in term of thermal performance of the cool roof. The cool roof technology is more useful and easy to implement in all residential buildings, both old or under construction to reduce indoor temperature.