Thermal performance of concrete-based roofs in tropical climate

Shanshan Tong, Hua Li*, Kishor T. Zingre, Man Pun Wan, Victor W.C. Chang, Swee Khian Wong, Winston Boo Thian Toh, Irene Yen Leng Lee

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this work, an analytical Complex Fast Fourier Transform (CFFT) method is used and modified to predict the transient roof temperature and transmitted heat flux through the multilayer roofs of naturally ventilated rooms. A field experiment is carried out on two full-scale roofs to validate the CFFT model. The mean bias error (MBE) and cumulative variation of root mean square error (CVRMBE) in the ceiling temperature prediction using CFFT model are found less than 4% during both sunny and rainy days. After validation, a parameter study is conducted to investigate the impacts of rooftop surface solar reflectivity (from 0.1 to 0.9) and thermal resistance (from 0.1 to 2.5 m2 K/W) on the thermal performance of two types of concrete-based roofs, namely the unventilated and ventilated roofs. Compared to the roofs with solar reflectivity of 0.1, increasing the solar reflectivity by 0.1 reduces the daily heat gain by 11% in both the unventilated and ventilated roofs during a typical weather day in Singapore. Compared with the unventilated roofs, the individual uses of roof ventilation and 2.5-cm expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam insulation reduce the daily roof heat gain by 42% and 68% respectively, and the daily roof heat gain reductions increase to 73% and 84% in the ventilated roofs incorporated with 2.5-cm EPS foam and radiant barrier respectively.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)392-401
Number of pages10
JournalEnergy and Buildings
Volume76
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • CFFT model
  • Concrete roof heat gain
  • Cool roof
  • Passive roofing technologies
  • Transient heat transfer

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