The rig in front of the experimental room

This research on reflective paints is part of the Thesis prepared by Yasin Idris. The project is still ongoing to obtain more results that could cover two year round of data. The research findings will be submitted for publication by next June. being part of Yasin’s Doctoral thesis that revolve around the building envelope characteristics, this part of the thesis focuses on the external (finishing) surface   properties.

The first solar-paints experiment

The research, in fact is being conducted in two stages, the uppermost photo is for the second one, and the photo above is for the for the first stage experiment. The first stage was a preliminary investigation that incorporated fewer parameters. That is, in the first experiment, evaluating the performance of the solar paint compared to the conventional paint was the base target.

Second-stage Experimental setup next to the (Pyrheliometers) that is used to measure the direct solar beam irradiance

The key thing is, the findings of the first experiment was a base to develop the second experiment that avoided many of the error sources, as well as investigating other parameters under certain climatic conditions.

Solar Access study using the Sun-eye tool

Some cautions like protecting the probs form direct solar gain, and also studying the shading and sky exposure, as to assure that all investigated tiles have the same environmental condition.

A cap to protect the Probe form direct sun was a lesson to learn from the first stage experiment.

In brief, two solar paint experiments were conducted to test four key parameters. That is, in the first experiment, evaluating the performance of the solar paint That is, in the first experiment, evaluating the performance of the solar paint compared to the conventional paint was the base target. In addition, the influence of the base sealer on the performance of the solar paint itself was studied as a second parameter.

NIR images expose the normal black paint, where it absorbs all the NIR and looks very dark. Other black but solar paints reflect more of the NIR (appearing lighter)

The solar paint colour was investigated as a third parameter. On the other hand, the Second experiment added a fourth parameter to the evaluation i.e. is the influence of the glossiness of the paint on its temperature reduction performance over the various weather conditions.

The difference of temperature distribution -Temperature profile in the tiles is due to the unavoidable tiles small surface area.

The results of both studies are presented and discussed whereas a collective conclusion was finally presented regarding the use of the solar paint as a heat protection measure.

Credits to Paint supplier company