International Journal of Innovative Research in Advanced Engineering (IJIRAE) ISSN: 2349-2163

Issue 10, Volume 2 (October 2015)

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Study of Water Layer Effect on Heat Transfer to Building

Roof in Summer Season
Mazin Y. Abdul-Kareem
ABSTRACT: Objective of this paper is study of thermal behavior to a building roof which covered by water layer [add
water to (0.64 m) from roof area] and calculate time of evaporating. Water layer was added to a model the roof and
measure the temperature with and without the water to study of temperature reduction, effect air velocity on the
cooling process, calculate time of evaporating and calculate percentage of decrease in temperature and heat transfer
from the ceiling. The results showed that addition of water to the roof in different conditions lead to temperature
reduction (5.57 C
to 14.9 C
) and percentage of decrease is (14.69% to 26.6%), and the percentage of reduction in heat
transfer is (37.3% to 56.12%) and increasing air velocity has passive effect on temperature reduction due to
evaporation of water to the surroundings quickly which leads to a reduced its effects on temperature of the surface.
The experimental work was carried out at ALNAHRAIN University, the city of Baghdad, Iraq.
NOMENCLATURE:
A
= Cross section area of heat transfer (m2).
K = Thermal conductivity (W/m. C).
P.D. = Percentage of decrease (%).
L = Liters.
q
= Heat-transfer rate (W).
R = Thermal resistance (m.C / W)
T,t = Temperature ( C).
x = Thickness of wall layers (m).
= Difference.
I. INTRODUCTION:
When we think of roofs, we think of protection from the elements and shelter. We want to protect ourselves from the sun,
wind, rain, and snow and we dont want water leaking into our buildings. But a roof can do much more than protect. Roofs
can also cool our buildings by transferring energy from the building to the outdoor, and provide energy by transferring solar
energy to water evaporation (evaporative cooling) of the roof by convection, conduction, and radiation. The amount of
electrical energy consumed by buildings in Iraq generally estimated at about (70%) of the total energy produced in the year
2006 [1].
In many countries using the conventional refrigeration systems, the practical experience has proven that using these
systems consume a great deal of energy. We can reduce energy consumption by reducing the cooling load of the roof. The
roof has clear impacts in changing the air temperature of the building where the solar energy receives approximately (20%)
of the total received by the building [2]. Roof cooling is based on the physical property that water absorbs a large amount
of energy, in the form of heat, when it changes phases. Add water on a hot surface, such as a roof, will result in a change of
phase (evaporation), and the heat of vaporization absorbs the heat that would normally penetrate into the roof surface
during the day. The evaporative process continues as long as the roof surface temperature exceeds the wet bulb temperature
of the "ambient air". This brings the surface temperature of the roof very close to the wet bulb temperature of the ambient
air, and consequently reduces the heat gain through the roof to a point approaching zero.
A cool roof translates into:
1- Indoor conditions are more comfort for occupants in the buildings.
2- Reducing power costs in buildings that have air-conditioner system.
3- Increasing the cooling capacity in buildings that have weak in refrigeration system.
4- New buildings, air-conditioning systems design will be smaller capacity (lower cost).
II. LITERATURE REVIEW:
The concepts of Roof Spray or Pond methods to cool roof in hot climates, thereby providing cooling to the inside of the
building, have been studied by Houghten, F.C., et al [3] and recently by Yellot [4] in 1965. Houghten showed, intests done
at the ASHVE Testing Fhcility in Pittsburgh, Pa., that the method of an open roof pond and a water spray reduces the heat
flux through all types of roofs. Yellot studied the use of intermittent water sprays on poorly insulated roofs. Yellot's work
also demonstrated the usefulness of the water spray in reducing discomfort levels in cases where the costs of conventional
&conditioning could be prohibitive .Yellot provided a highly simplified energy balance to determine the roof surface
temperatures. Jain and R.Bo., [5] have obtained experimental results on the effect of roof-cooling by evaporation on nonconditioned and conditioned buildings. Their experimental set-up was elaborate, and the study looked at the effects of roof
pond, roof spray, and wetted gunny bags on the temperatures and heat flux at the ceiling surface of thick roofs.
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International Journal of Innovative Research in Advanced Engineering (IJIRAE) ISSN: 2349-2163

Issue 10, Volume 2 (October 2015)
www.ijirae.com
They concluded that, in the tropics, for the effect of reduced indoor temperatures to be more effective, the roofs needed to
be treated. They further confirmed the reduction of indoor discomfort as a result of the use of various evaporative cooling
methods. The gunny bag appeared to be the best alternative followed by the roof spray and roof pond, in that order of
effectiveness.
Tiwari, et al. [6] considered the transient heat transfer mechanism of the two cases of a roof pond and spray cooling. In
their analytical study, they determined the water surface temperature as a function of the environmental conditions. They
presented a simple heat-mass transfer analysis to determine the evaporative heat loss as a function of pressures, velocities,
and relative humidity using actual weather data in the form of a Fourier series for the city of New Delhi, India.
They also expressed the saturation water vapor pressure as a linear function of temperature range of 20 C to 45 C. Their
conclusions were extremely supportive of the experimental results of other investigators. More specifically, they reported
that the reduction in the heat flux through the roof is greater for lower relative humidity and that wind velocity does not
play a major role in the heat transfer mechanism. They also concluded that varying roof thickness does significantly affect
the heat flux rates. Chandra,et al. [7] performed an analytical study of the problem and determined the overall thermal
response of the building and the inside air due to evaporative cooling. They used a periodic heat transfer analysis similar to
the familiar Transfer Function method to determine the various heat transfer mechanisms. They also concluded that more
cooling was achieved by the method of roof spray rather than by the method of a roof pond. Rao and Kaushika [8] studied
the possibility of using non-convective roof spray ponds with a salt-gradient. They concluded, however, that the effects of
convection were beneficial, but that the use of these ponds was not recommended. Carrasco,A.,et al [9] show designing and
installing a roof-spray cooling system on a storage building in the Research Annex of Texas A&M University. The roof
spray cooling system and the associated hardware were donated and set up on the roof by a commercial vendor. Tests were
done during the summer of 1986 to compare the sprayed and unsprayed conditions on the roof surface temperatures, heat
transfer through the roof, and the interior temperatures. The results showed that there was an 60 percent reduction in the
heat transfer through the roof and also a reduction in inside temperatures.The present study involves a two parts
investigation, experimental and theoretical to cooling of roof in summer season in Baghdad. Water layer was added to a
model the roof and measure the temperature with and without the water to study of temperature reduction, effect air
velocity on the cooling process, calculate time of evaporating and calculate percentage of decrease in temperature and heat
transfer from the ceiling.
III. THEORETICAL MODEL:
In some two-dimensional problems the effect of a second-space coordinate may be small as to justify its neglect, and the
multidimensional heat-flow problem may be approximated with a one-dimensional analysis [10]. Figure (1) illustrates onedimensional heat transfer through a composite wall (roof). The temperature gradients in a composite wall are shown, and
the heat flow may be written:

Figure (1) illustrates one-dimensional heat transfer through a composite wall (roof).

=
1

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International Journal of Innovative Research in Advanced Engineering (IJIRAE) ISSN: 2349-2163

Issue 10, Volume 2 (October 2015)
www.ijirae.com

=
=

Where (qR) is the coefficient to determine the heat transfer through the walls before and after the addition of water.
To determine percentage of decrease in surface temperature:
(

To determine percentage of decrease in (qR) [i.e. heat transfer decrease]:

(

(
(

IV. EXPERIMENTAL WORK:

The experimental work was carried out by using two test rigs. The main parts for test work consist of: Digital thermometer,
digital anemometer, solar radiation measurement, thermocouples (in and out surface test rig), iron rig to carry the surface, is
insulated from all sides and the bottom, water pump, fan, water tank, and connection pipes. It has been added the amount of
water to the surface and measure the intensity of solar radiation on the surface and temperature of inner and outer surface.
Dry bulb temperature of air, velocity of air and time of water evaporation was calculated in different experimental
condition.

Second test rig(without water)

First test rig(with water)

Figure (2) schematic the main parts for tow test rigs.
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International Journal of Innovative Research in Advanced Engineering (IJIRAE) ISSN: 2349-2163

Issue 10, Volume 2 (October 2015)
www.ijirae.com

V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

5-1 Effect of addition of water at different surface temperature:
Figures (3 &4) illustrate experimental results to effect of addition (2 Liters of water) on the roof temperature at different
conditions. The surface temperature before water addition is (33 C
) & (59 C
) respectively. The results showed that addition
of water leads to a lower temperature due to heat transfer to the water for purpose of evaporation. Figure (3) illustrate that
average of temperature difference after addition of water is (12.83 C
) and percentage of decrease is (24.85%). While, the
average of temperature difference after addition of water is [(14.9 C
) see figure (4)] and percentage of decrease is (26.6%).
Also show that roof surface temperature becomes near of surrounding air temperature. Figures (5), (6) and (7) illustrate
theoretical results to effect of addition (2L) on the coefficient (qR) of the building roof at different conditions. Average
(qR) before addition of water is (25.07 C) and (32.66 C
) respectively. The results showed that addition of water leads to a
lower (qR).Which demonstrates on decrease heat transfer in a roof. In figure (5) average of (qR) after addition of water is
(12.23 C
) and (P.D.) is [(50.85%) see figure (7)]. While average of (qR) after addition of water is [(17.26 C
) see figure (6)]
and (P.D.) is [(46.88%) see figure (7)].
5-2 Effect of addition of water at different air velocity:
Figures (8 & 9) illustrate experimental results to effect of addition (1L) on roof surface temperature at different air velocity.
The surface temperature before the addition of water (41 C
) and (42 C
) and average air velocity is (3.17 m/s) and (5 m/s)
respectively. The results show that increasing air velocity has passive effect on reduction in temperature due to evaporation
of water to surrounding area quickly which leads to a reduced its effects on roof surface temperature. We can treated the
situation through add amounts of water according to evaporation rates. At air velocity [3.17 m/s, see figure (8)], average of
temperature difference after addition of water is (13.52 C) and the percentage of decrease is (27.2%). While at air velocity
[5 m/s, see figure (9)], average of temperature difference after the addition of water is (7.5 C) and (P.D.) is (16.6%).
Figures (10), (11) and (12) illustrate theoretical results to effect of addition (1L) on coefficient (qR) at different air velocity.
The results show that increasing the air velocity reduces (qR) due to evaporation of water to the surrounding area quickly
which leads to a reduced its effects on heat transfer of the roof. Figure (10) illustrates that average of (qR) after addition of
water is (10.31 C) and (P.D.) is [(56.12%) see figure (12)]. While average of (qR) after addition of water is [(12.65 C) see
figure (11)] and (P.D.) is [(37.3%) see figure (12)].
5-3 Effect of addition of water at periods of time:
To compensate water evaporated in appropriate intervals to keep on reduced in roof temperature. Figure (13) illustrates
experimental results to effect of addition (1L every 60 min.) on surface temperature. The surface temperature before
addition of water is (40 C
). The results show that compensating water keeps on reduction in temperature, it can be through
added the water at periods of time calculated [see figure (13)]. The decrease in the rate of temperature is (13.53 C
) and
(P.D.) is (23.63%). figure (14) illustrates theoretical results to effect of addition (1L every 60 min.) on (qR). Average of
(qR) after the addition of water is (15 C
) and (P.D.) is [(45.33%) see figure (15)].
5-4 Effect of addition of water with weak solar radiation:
Figure (16) shows effect of addition of water with solar radiation is weak (ex. Dusty weather). The results showed that the
addition of water with weak solar radiation declines more temperature and evaporate of water lower. The decrease in rate of
temperature is (5.57 C) and (P.D.) is (14.69%). While average of (qR) after addition of water is [(6.91 C
) see figure (17)]
and (P.D.) is [(43.96%) see figure (18)].Figure (19) shows intensity of radiation in above-mentioned tests, according to test
numbers and temperature figure in each test.
VI. CONCLUSION:
The results showed that addition of water to the roof in different conditions has a positive effect on the reduction of cooling
loads for a building. There was temperature reduction (5.57 C
to 14.9 C
) and percentage of decrease is (14.69% to 26.6%),
and percentage of reduction in heat transfer is (37.3% to 56.12%) and that increasing air velocity has passive effect on
temperature reduction due to evaporation of water to the surroundings quickly which leads to a reduced its effects on
temperature of the surface and weak solar radiation has positive effect on temperature reduction and evaporation of water
where evaporation of water lower.

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Temp. ( C)

International Journal of Innovative Research in Advanced Engineering (IJIRAE) ISSN: 2349-2163

Issue 10, Volume 2 (October 2015)
www.ijirae.com
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Time (min)
Fig. (3) Illustrates effect of addition (2 liters of water) on roof surface temperature.
80

Temp.(C )

60
40
20
0
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Time (min)
Fig.(4) Illustrates effect of addition (2 liters of water) on roof surface temperature.

qR ( C)

40
30
20
10
0
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Time(min)
Fig.(5) Illustrates effect of addition(2 L of water) on coefficient (qR) [case1].

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International Journal of Innovative Research in Advanced Engineering (IJIRAE) ISSN: 2349-2163

Issue 10, Volume 2 (October 2015)
www.ijirae.com

qR ( C)

40
30
20
10
0
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Time (min)
Fig.(6) Illustrates effect of addition(2 L of water) on the coefficient (qR) ) [case2].
60
50

P.D. (%)

40
30
20
10
0
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Time (min)
Fig.(7) Illustrates percentage of decrease(P.D.) of coefficient(qR) for figures (5&6).

Fig.(8) Illustrates effect of addition(1L)on the surface temperature at Vair(3.17m/s).

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International Journal of Innovative Research in Advanced Engineering (IJIRAE) ISSN: 2349-2163

Issue 10, Volume 2 (October 2015)
www.ijirae.com
60

Temp. ( C)

50
40
30
20
10
0
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Time (min)
Fig.(9) Illustrates effect of addition (1L) on the surface temperature at Vair(5 m/s).
25

qR ( C)

20
15
10
5
0
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

60

70

Time (min)
Fig.(10) Illustrates effect of addition (1L) on coefficient (qR) at Vair (3.17m/s).
30

qR ( C)

25
20
15
10
5
0
0

10

20

30

40

50

Time (min)
Fig.(11) Illustrates effect of addition (1L) on coefficient (qR) at Vair (5 m/s).

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International Journal of Innovative Research in Advanced Engineering (IJIRAE) ISSN: 2349-2163

Issue 10, Volume 2 (October 2015)
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60

P. D.(%)

50
40
30
20
10
0
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Time (min)

Temp. ( C)

Fig.(12) Illustrates (P.D) of coefficient (qR) at different air velocity.

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0

50

100

150

200

250

Time (min)
Fig.(13) Illustrates effect of addition (1L) every (60 min) on the surface temperature.

qR ( C )

40
30
20
10
0
0

50

100

150

200

250

Time (min)
Fig.(14) Illustrates effect of addition (1L) every (60 min) on (qR).

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International Journal of Innovative Research in Advanced Engineering (IJIRAE) ISSN: 2349-2163

Issue 10, Volume 2 (October 2015)
www.ijirae.com
70
60

D.P. (%)

50
40
30
20
10
0
0

50

100

150

200

250

Time (min)

Temp. ( C)

Fig.(15) Illustrates (D.P.) of coefficient (qR) at addition (1L) every (60 min).

45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Time (min)
Fig.(16) Illustrates effect of addition (1L) on the surface temperature at dusty weather.

20

qR ( C)

15
10
5
0
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Time (min)
Fig.(17) Illustrates effect of addition (1L) on the coefficient (qR) at dusty weather.

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International Journal of Innovative Research in Advanced Engineering (IJIRAE) ISSN: 2349-2163

Issue 10, Volume 2 (October 2015)
www.ijirae.com
60

P. D.(%)

50
40
30
20
10
0
0

20

40

60

80

Time (min)

100

120

140

Fig.(18) Illustrates (P.D.) vs. coefficient (qR) at dusty weather.

Fig.(19) Illustrates intensity of radiation in above tests.

REFERENCES:
.2008 -[ ) ( 1]
[ ) ( 2]
.2008
[3]. Houghten, F.C., e t al, "Summer Cooling Load as Affected by Heat Gain Through Dry, Sprinkled and Water Convered
Roofs", ASHVE I Trans., Vol. 46, pp. 231-42,(1940).
[4]. Yellot , J.I., "Roof Cooling with Intermittent Sprays", ASHRAE 73rd Annual Meeting, June 1966.
[5]. Jain and Rao, "Experimental Study on the Effect on Roof Spray Cooling on Unconditioned and Conditioned
Buildings", Building Science, Vol. 9,pp. 9-16,(1974).
[6].Tiwari, G.N., Kumar, A., and Sodha, M.S.,"A Review-Cooling by Water Evaporation Over Roof", Energy Conversion
and Management, Vol. 22, pp.143-53,(1982).
[7].Chandra, et a l ,"Thermal Performance of a Non-Air-conditioned Building for Passive Solar Air-Conditioning:
Evaluation of Roof Cooling Systems", Energy and Building?, Vol. 8, pp. 51-69,(1985).
[8]. Rao and Kaushika, "Winter Temperature, Control i n a Non-Air-Conditioned Building with a Non-Convective Roof
Pond", Energy Conversion and Management, Vol. 24, pp. 5-14,(1984).
[9].Carrasco, A., Pittard, R., et al," Evaluation of A Direct Evaporative Roof-Spray Cooling System", Proceedings of the
Fourth Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates, Houston, TX, September 1516,(1987).
[10].
Holman J.P.,( Heat Transfer),eighth edition, McGraw-Hill Book Company,ch1,1997.

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