Scientists at the University of California Santa Barbara published a paper that proposes adaptive roof tile technology that can adjust to ambient temperatures.
Using a wax motor, tiles could switch from a heating or cooling state enabling savings on heating and cooling costs. The motor switches between cooling and heating states within 3 degrees Celsius of the switch temperature.
The concept could reduce cooling and heating needs by more than 2.5 times, the paper says. The volume of wax changes as the ambient temperature changes, creating pressure that moves mechanical parts. The motor could push or retract pistons that close or open louvers on the tile’s surface.
When there are cooler temperatures, the wax is solid and louvers are closed and lay flat, exposing a surface that absorbs sunlight and minimizes heat dissipation. As temperatures reach about 64.5 degrees Fahrenheit, the wax begins to melt and expand. This action pushes open louvers and exposes a surface that reflects sunlight and emits trapped heat.
Related Stories
Sponsored | Coatings | Sep 26, 2016
Valspar products at the forefront of innovation and sustainability
Fluropon SR and Fluropon Pure are two products that help Valspar cultivate a culture of innovation.
Sponsored | Roofing and Fire Safety | Sep 21, 2016
Metal roofing provides exceptional fire resistance
Buildings with great fire resistance will likely have lower insurance costs and be restricted by fewer codes, owing to the decreased risk.
Sponsored | Energy Efficiency | Jul 27, 2016
Metal Roofs Have Solar Advantage
A large roof can become a resource that saves significant money on energy consumption and helps reduce emissions of CO2 and it turns out metal roofs make excellent hosts for solar panels.
Sponsored | Roofing | Jun 29, 2016
Retrofit roofs instead of replacement
When faced with the need to replace a flat roof, many building owners find retrofitting a more viable investment, and so they erect a long-lasting, low-maintenance sloped metal roof.
Shopping Centers | Jun 3, 2016
Developer Robinsons Land adds powerful PV arrays to 10 malls in the Philippines
The Robinsons Starmills mall in San Fernando recently turned on a 2.9 megawatt rooftop PV plant.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2016
Asphalt roofing group publishes updated shingle installation guide
Technical manual provides best practices for roofing professionals.
Roofing | May 16, 2016
New guide focused on increasing energy and structural performance with raised-heel trusses
Higher trusses simplify attic ventilation, leave more space for insulation.
Sponsored | Roofing | May 9, 2016
The incredible long-lived metal roof
A report by the Metal Construction Association (MCA) found that 55% Al-Zn coated low-slope steel standing seam roofing systems suffer very little corrosion if properly maintained.
![Better membranes, better roofing [AIA course]](/sites/default/files/styles/list_big/public/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-24%20at%2010.47.03%20AM.jpg?itok=obh9Gk10 "Better membranes, better roofing [AIA course]")
Roofing | Feb 24, 2016
Better membranes, better roofing [AIA course]
To earn 1.0 AIA CES HSW learning units, study the article carefully and take the exam.
