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    Cooling solutions

    Synopsis

    AC is booming in nations across the world: it’s predicted that around two-thirds of the world’s households could have an AC by 2050, and the demand for energy to cool buildings will triple.

    The warmer it gets, the more people crank up the air conditioning (AC). In fact, AC is booming in nations across the world: it’s predicted that around two-thirds of the world’s households could have an AC by 2050, and the demand for energy to cool buildings will triple. But unless the energy comes from renewable sources, all that added demand will contribute to global warming but buildings can be designed to keep the heat out, without contributing to climate change.

    Opening windows is a common way people try to cool buildings - but the air inside will be just as hot as the outside. In fact, the simplest way to keep the heat out is with good insulation and well-positioned windows. Since the sun is high in summer, external horizontal shading such as overhangs and louvres are really effective.

    East and west-facing windows are more difficult to shade. Blinds and curtains are not great as they block the view and daylight, and if they are positioned inside the window, the heat actually enters the building.

    It’s now common for roofs to be painted with special pigments that are designed to reflect solar radiation - not just in the visible range of light but also the infrared spectrum. These can reduce surface temperatures by more than 10° C, compared to conventional paint.
    (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)

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    Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

    ...more
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