New smart roof reads the thermometer, saves energy in hot and cold climates
Date: 23.9.2010
Scientists today reported the development of a "smart" roof coating, made from waste cooking oil from fast food restaurants, that can "read" a thermometer. The coating automatically switches roles, reflecting or transmitting solar heat, when the outdoor temperature crosses a preset point that can be tuned to the local climate. They described the coating at the 239th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.
Tests on coated asphalt shingles showed that it could reduce roof temperatures by about 50 - 80 percent in warm weather. In cooler weather, the coating could increase roof temperatures up to 80 percent compared with the traditional cool roof.
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