Sky radiation cooling using open collectors on the roof of buildings

Abstract

The present investigation proposes the utilization of sky radiation cooling to contribute in reducing the cooling load of buildings. Water, which is cooled by sky radiation during nights, can be stored and then used to assist with air conditioning during the day, either directly or via an active cooling system. in this paper a numerical study is performed to analyze the combined heat and mass transfer processes including sky radiation, evaporation and convection when a thin water layer flows in a shallow basin exposed to sky, that may be easily placed on the roof of a building.