This study investigates the use of cool pavement (CP) versus standard pavement (SP) and their impacts on the energy use intensity (EUI kwh/m2) of residential buildings, with a particular focus on cooling loads. The literature review indicates that cool pavement generally reflects shortwave radiation more effectively during the daytime compared to standard pavement. Conversely, standard pavement tends to release longwave radiation at night, leading to increased indoor energy consumption to overcome these undesirable effects and urban heat island phenomenon.
In the attached script, a model of a simple residential building is used to examine the impact of the asphalt surface in front of the building on cooling loads when utilizing cool pavement versus standard pavement. However, the results consistently show that cool pavement leads to higher energy consumption along the day (day and night), which appears counterintuitive given its reputation for reducing energy usage. Cool Pavement Vs Standard Pavement .3dm (38.9 KB) Cool Pavement Vs Standard Pavement .gh (154.2 KB)
@Naga You spent two years trying to solve this issue? I don’t think that’s necessary, as several software programs, like Design Builder, can easily resolve this problem by switching to the ray tracing method for solar radiation analysis.
Two years to understand on how convective, radiative and discharge-based heat exchange between buildings, contextual urban elements and urban microclimate can be modeled using EnergyPlus.
By default, EnergyPlus or its UIs like Design Builder cannot simulate the radiative heat exchange between buildings and contextual urban elements like roads. You need to initiate few objects in EnergyPlus to make it happen.
All I can say is radiative heat exchange of a building face with a ground surface is the function of its temperature, exposure and wind speed. Without modeling these in EnergyPlus, you cant expect reliable results.
By the way, I used EnergyPlus core, OpenStudio, and DesignBuilder. I personally suggest LB tools because 1. It give a lots of freedom for modeling and 2. Ensures NO garbage in and out.