The effect of cool paints and surface properties of the facade on the thermal and energy efficiency of buildings in a hot and arid climate

Abstract

The facade of a building is a decisive factor in the thermal and energy performance of buildings. Its surfaces are considered as zones of heat transfer between the inside and the outside. Surface properties, especially color and texture; which have an important role on solar absorption and thermal emittance of the facade and subsequently the thermal operation of the building. The purpose of this article is to study the impact of surface properties of the facade on the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of buildings in a hot and arid climate. The investigation is based on an experimental approach by taking measurements in test cells with an insulating paint (with nanoparticles) as well as on a numerical study by the dynamic thermal simulation software TRNSYS. Several parameters were studied such as ambient temperature, internal and external surface temperature and energy consumption. The results showed that the surfaces of the facade represent with excellence the place of heat exchange between interior and exterior whose surface properties have a colossal impact on the thermal and energy operation of the building. The insulating paint with its nanoparticles has a considerable impact on the reduction of temperature. The proper choice of material absorption has a great influence on the reduction of temperatures and energy requirements of the building.

Keywords

• Facade materials
• surface properties
• cool paints with nanoparticles
• thermal emittance