Impact of Applying Radiant Barrier Fitted Beneath the Roof in Hot and Humid Climates

Published Date
Date: 01 July 2014

Author 

• S. B. Azraai 
• , M. I. Ali
• , S. S. Salleh
• , O. Asaroon

Abstract 

In tropical climates, about 70 % of heat transfer is through the roof into room spaces. Heat gained in the house comes from solar radiation, lighting, heating and electrical appliances. The room temperature in the house is greater than the outside temperature due to heat gain during hot day. In hot day, room temperature in a house is ranging from 29 to 33 °C. The occupants feel discomfort to stay in the house especially at night. Linked houses in Malaysia are known to be very uncomfortable for living without forced ventilation and cooling. The dwellers have to use air conditioners to overcome uncomfortable condition. The usage of air conditioning will increase the electrical energy. The staggered air-bubble packed aluminium foil as radiant barrier has been chosen to reduce the heat transfer through the roof. The aluminium foil is fitted beneath the roof. The experiment has been conducted in the test cell in determining the temperature profiles using eight temperature sensor data logger interfaced with personal computer. Result shows that the average indoor air temperature is reduced by 0.7 °C. Electrical energy consumption in residential building is reduced using reflective aluminium foil.

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http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-287-077-3_89