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This paper evaluates two roof pond configurations combined with a water-to-air heat exchanger (WAHE). Test cells of 1.35 m × 1.35 m x 1.35 m with the same thermal properties, except for the roofs, are built in a hot-dry climate with mild winters. They are connected with a WAHE placed inside the roof pond's water by a pipe through which the indoor air is re-circulated. The first roof consists of a 0.35 m deep water pond covered with a floating polystyrene insulation 0.03 m thick, and a spray system located 0.5 m above it that operates at night. The second roof is covered with an aluminum plate separated by a 0.10 m air gap above a 0.25 m deep water pond. We ran multiple series and compared the results to a control cell that had a California energy code compliant insulated roof. Predictive equations are developed to dimension the WAHE system. Results demonstrate that the cells with roof ponds have better cooling performance than the code compliant control cell. The best performance is obtained in the cell with the WAHE operating continuously. In this case, the indoor temperature stayed below 24 °C even with ambient temperatures above 35 °C. • WAHE systems integrated in roof ponds provide an additional cooling opportunity. • Test cells have been monitored for over two years in a hot and dry climate. • The benefits of integrating WAHE in roof ponds are assessed with promising results. • Predictive equations to dimension the WAHE system are developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006, California introduced the Global Warming Solutions Act (Assembly Bill 32), which requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. “Cool community” strategies, including cool roofs, cool pavements, cool walls and urban vegetation, have been identified as voluntary measures with potential to reduce statewide emissions. In addition, cool community strategies provide co-benefits for residents of California, such as reduced utility bills, improved air quality and enhanced urban livability. To achieve these savings, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) has worked with state and local officials, non-profit organizations, school districts, utilities, and manufacturers for 4 years to advance the science and implementation of cool community strategies. This paper summarizes the accomplishments of this program, as well as recent developments in cool community policy in California and other national and international efforts. We also outline lessons learned from these efforts to characterize successful programs and policies to be replicated in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Contaminants from cool-pigmented roof samples exposed at seven California sites were analyzed for elements and carbons to identify those that degrade or enhance solar reflectance. The losses in solar reflectance varied by site and the color of the sample. The least reflectance drop was observed in the alpine climate, while the largest drop occurred in sites near urban development. The change of reflectance appears cyclical with the onset of seasons having more rainfall. A deposition model suggests that chromium ranks first, iron second, and elemental carbon third in importance to soil light absorption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Two photocatalytic architectural membranes were exposed alongside a control sample. • Specimens exposed at three California sites with different weather & pollution levels. • Photocatalytic samples showed excellent self-cleaning performance after two years. • De-NO x efficacy depended on weather, pollution, and type of photocatalytic material. • De-NO x efficacy showed seasonal effects associated with raining/dry periods. Photocatalytic self-cleaning "cool" roofs and walls can maintain high albedos, saving building cooling energy, reducing peak power demand, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. Other environmental benefits result from their de-polluting properties. Specimens from two different photocatalytic architectural membranes and a non-photocatalytic control were exposed alongside vertically, facing west, for two years at three California sites, and retrieved quarterly for testing. Photocatalytic materials showed excellent self-cleaning performance, retaining albedos of 0.74 – 0.75. By contrast, the control material exhibited an albedo loss of up to 0.10, with appreciable soiling observed by scanning electron microscopy. De-pollution capacity was assessed by quantifying NO removal and NO x deposition rates at 60 °C. Efficacy varied with exposure location, weather conditions, and the nature of the photocatalytic material. Seasonal effects were observed, with partial inhibition during the dry season and reactivation during the rainy season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]