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Cooling Performance of TiO2-Based Radiative Cooling Coating in Tropical Conditions
Bhrigu Rishi Mishra1, Sreerag Sundaram1, Karthik Sasihithlu1
1Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India.
ACS Omega
|December 23, 2024
Summary
Radiative cooling (RC) paint coatings reduce temperatures but do not achieve subambient cooling in humid tropical environments. Further analysis is needed to understand performance limitations in high humidity and solar radiation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Thermodynamics
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Radiative cooling (RC) coatings offer passive cooling but their performance degrades in tropical climates due to high humidity and solar radiation.
- Existing high-performance RC coatings are often costly and lack durability for large-scale deployment.
- Subambient cooling in tropical regions remains a challenge for current RC technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of a TiO2 and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based RC paint coating under varying humidity levels.
- To investigate the factors limiting subambient cooling performance of RC coatings in tropical environments.
- To provide insights for developing more effective RC solutions for humid climates.
Main Methods:
- Testing an RC paint coating on aluminum (Al) boxes in three cities with differing humidity levels.
- Comparing the internal temperatures of coated boxes against uncoated controls.
- Conducting a comprehensive analysis to identify reasons for performance limitations.
Main Results:
- The RC paint coating significantly reduced the internal temperature of the Al box in both high and moderate humidity conditions.
- Subambient cooling (cooling below ambient temperature) was not achieved with the tested RC paint.
- Performance was affected by environmental variables, particularly humidity and solar radiation.
Conclusions:
- The tested RC paint coating demonstrates potential for temperature reduction but not for achieving subambient cooling in humid environments.
- Environmental factors, especially high humidity, significantly impede the effectiveness of RC coatings.
- Further research is required to overcome the limitations of RC coatings in tropical and humid climates.
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