A review of heat-reflective paints

Date

2010

Authors

Pockett, J.
Belusko, M.

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Conference paper

Citation

Proceedings of the 48th annual conference of the Australian Solar Energy Society 2010, 2010, pp.1-13

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SOLAR 2010 (1 Dec 2010 - 3 Dec 2010 : Canberra, Australia)

Abstract

In recent years, there have been a number of heat-reflective paints come on the Australian market. These provide the same visible colour range as standard products but perform quite differently in the infra-red region of the spectrum, reflecting more of the invisible part of the solar spectrum. Are they effective in meeting their advertised claims and if/when is there a benefit for their use? This paper reviews the advertising material and data to assess their value in a field where there is little sound scientific literature on some products and the technology of others is hidden for IP reasons Sunlight at ground-level incorporates incident radiation in the ultraviolet, visible and infra-red regions with wavelengths spanning 300 to 2500 nm. Any part of the solar spectrum where a surface absorbs incoming sunlight will cause an increase in surface temperature above ambient temperatures. If heat cannot be re-radiated to the sky, it will conduct through roof spaces towards the ceiling and radiate downwards through insulation batts. This produces a heat load on buildings, resulting in loss of comfort or an increase in electricity bills and greenhouse gas emissions for air-conditioning

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Copyright 2010 Australian Solar Energy Society

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