Experimental Study of the Thermal Performances of a Composite Roof Including a Reflective Insulation Material Under Tropical Humid Climatic Conditions

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the evaluation of the outdoor performances of a composite roof that is composed of a corrugated iron rooftop, a radiant barrier, and a ceiling made of wood, each component being separated by an air space. This assembly is mounted on a small-scale test cell, named isotest. An isotest is designed for research purposes. It is installed on an experimental platform, dedicated to the complete study of the outdoor performances of radiant barrier systems. The chapter essentially describes the entire experimental disposal in detail. The results are then presented and followed by an analysis. It is noted that the results so obtained tends to confirm the great potential of radiant barrier systems in tropical humid climatic conditions. It also determines that the performances of such an assembly are closely linked to the ventilation conditions in the air space facing the reflective side of the radiant barrier.