Development of PCM cool roof system to control urban heat island considering temperate climatic conditions

The use of phase change materials (PCM) as a roof finishing material can decrease the surface temperature and help to control urban heat islands. In the present work, the thermal performance of different kinds of roof finishing materials in a temperate climate in South Korea was measured. Measurements were conducted in an artificial environment that simulated summer weather conditions and real winter environments. The PCM cool roof system was created using PCM doped tiles. The results show that the PCM doped tiles effect a temperature decrease in surface temperature while keeping the chamber temperature low in summer weather conditions. Furthermore, in winter conditions, the PCM doped tiles keep the surface temperature low while keeping the chamber temperature higher than cool paints. This means that PCM doped tiles are capable of controlling urban heat islands while reducing heating penalty.