News
SANEDI ROLLS OUT
COOL ROOFS CHALLENGE
The institute has implemented a successful cool surface proof of concept . The South African National Energy and Development Institute ( SANEDI )’ s proof of concept was executeted through the project at the Department of Defence ’ s ( DoD ) Lephalale South African Military Health Service ( SAMHS ) Training facility in Lephalale , Limpopo .
The project , which entailed the resurfacing of 15 000m 2 of walls and roofs with cool surface technology , forms part of SANEDI ’ s Million Cool Roofs Challenge participation , which sees the finalist working towards accelerating access to affordable , sustainable cooling through rapid deployment of cool roof materials .
The Lephalale SAMHS operates as a training facility and accommodation for doctors , nurses and other health practitioners serving in the South Africa National Defence Force ( SANDF ). Most of the facility ’ s accommodation building material is made up of corrugated iron and prefabricated buildings , which means the indoor temperatures are scorching during hotter months .
“ Immediately after completion of the project , we took a reading of the outside temperature at the accommodation rooms , it was a staggering 47.2 ° C . The facility was making use of industrial air-conditioning to cool down the various buildings which was extremely costly particularly during to the soaring temperatures in summer ,” explains Dr Karen Surridge , Centre Manager : Renewable Energy Centre of Research & Development , Renewables at SANEDI .
“ As soon as the accommodation surfaces , roofs and walls , were painted we took a temperature reading inside the building , it had dropped to 29.8 ° C – almost 20 degrees lower which was remarkable . Although this is a single reading on one hot day , SANEDI will be monitoring the performance of the technology across two years of seasons , to demonstrate that cool surface technology offers a tangible and inexpensive solution to curbing heat and making certain buildings more comfortable to live and work in . It also is expected to result in far less electricity consumption and wear and tear on the air-conditioning units at the base ,” adds Surridge .
The SANEDI cool surfaces project included the recoating of the walls and roofs of the students ’ accommodation blocks , classrooms , ablutions and trainer ’ s accommodation blocks . The project , that was rolled out in September 2020 , took less than a month to complete and also included the training of five artisans from SANDF .
Surridge explains , “ As part of our cool surfaces project we also train individuals on the correct application of the paint and surface
All images : SANEDI
preparation , how to use the airless spray machine and the theory behind how the technology works . In the case of SAMHS Lephalale , we opted for white which was in line with the facility ’ s standards and also one of the most effective heat emissive colours .”
General Joseph Ledwaba of the DoD Defence Works Formation , sorting under Chief of Logistics SANDF , adds , “ We are excited to be a part of this energy intervention and look forward to a fruitful collaboration that leads to more comfortable living and working conditions for our members as well as reduced electricity , and repair and maintenance costs ”.
“ Ultimately , we hope to roll out similar cool surface projects at various SANDF bases across the country . The cool surfaces technology not only offers a passive cooling solution but also provides better durability of the roof below in terms of protection from elements and water proofing ,” concludes Surridge .
SANEDI is a schedule 3A , state owned company , established by the Government to direct , monitor and conduct applied energy research to develop innovative , integrated solutions to catalyse growth and prosperity in the green economy . It promotes scientific evidence-driven ventures that contribute to youth empowerment , gender equity , environmental sustainability and the 4th industrial revolution within the national development plan through consultative , sustainable energy projects . RACA
Resurfacing of walls and roofs with cool surface technology at Lephalale ' s SAMHS Training facility .
DoD ' s Lephalale South African Military Health Service Training facility in Lephalale .
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I June 2021 5