Eliminates Solar Heat Load
SkyCool Pty Ltd has again been internationally recognised and awarded
at the worldwide 9th annual Construction and Engineering Awards
Queensland University of Technology,
Centre for the Built Environment and Engineering Research
A paper presented by Professor John Bell from the Queensland University of Technology, Centre for the Built Environment and Engineering Research, made the following observations regarding the technology of SkyCool:
"SkyCool exhibits very high solar reflectance (above 85%) and thermal emittance over 94% and is a practical adherent painting mix with high pigment levels that can expand and contract without delamination. Granqvist and Eriksson reviewed the long history of the field of radiative cooling over a decade ago, with both paints and pigmented foils being studied. TiO2 and ZnS pigments have both been used with partial success, but achievement of the combination of properties exhibited by SkyCool on large areas has been elusive."
Professor Bell further remarked:
"Modelling of whole buildings has also been undertaken to assess the impacts on energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and operating cost of the building when the coating is applied to the roof. The results indicate that for appropriate buildings, the use of this type of coating can lead to triple-bottom line benefits, with reduced operating costs, reduced environmental impacts, and improved indoor environment."
Following the detailed scientific and engineering details, Professor Bell concluded:
"The benefits of this type of cooling (SkyCool) on building energy use, and internal comfort (which results from both reduced airconditioning and lower roof temperatures), can be substantial. Clearly this type of coating works most effectively where the building has a large floor plate and is low rise, so the maximum benefit from cooling via the roof is possible. Under these circumstances significant savings in operating energy costs and also potential reductions in plant size, and peak energy demand are added benefits."
SkyCool on large warehouse-type structures.
The following model was produced by Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Built Environment & Engineering who have specialist knowledge of the unique performance characteristics of SkyCool. QUT joined with the University of Technology, Sydney in the initial analysis of SkyCool.
QUT modelled the effect of applying the recommended coating of SkyCool to the 36,000m2 non-air conditioned supermarket Distribution Centre to be located near Perth Airport.
Average monthly maximum temperatures near floor level & directly under the roof (mauve line).
The model clearly shows that SkyCool is capable of maintaining the work area (1 to 3 metres above floor) ambient temperatures comfortably below 27°C for 90% of the year without any mechanical assistance.
The annual average maximum working region temperature maintained by SkyCool is 21°C, compared to 26°C for an R2.2 insulated building. Even under R2.2 insulation, without SkyCool, the work space will experience 160 days of temperatures in excess of 27°C, peaking up to 39°C. Whereas, SkyCool without insulation will reduce this uncomfortable period by more than 2/3, and will reduce the near forty degree temperatures to the low thirties, with only 13 days of the year reaching into that range. This occurs when very hot air blows in from the deserts and encroaches into the building through the open loading doors, which the model assumes to remain open through the working day. If these doors remain predominately closed during extremely hot days, then the interior of the warehouse will obtain additional benefit from SkyCool.
