Low cost, energy and impact ceramic cladding cooling system by means of evapotranspiration or ‘botijo-effect’.

Abstract

A new ceramic cladding system was first applied in the house prototype named "SOLARKIT”, representing the University of Seville in the international competition Solar Decathlon Europe 2010, where its effectiveness was registered by thermographs y and the monitoring of the building. Therefore, as a result of this R+D+I experience derived from the search of a low energy and innovative cooling bioclimatic strategy, a new cladding system has been invented and patented. Consequently, the patented invention relates to an external cladding system using tiles made from a porous-ceramic material or similar, named as a façade with “botijo-effect”. Thus, the system can be applied directly as a final cladding or used in external sheets of ventilated façades. Compared to traditional claddings, this system provides de possibility of cooling its surface by means of evapotranspiration generated by supplying water through a network of canaliculi inside the tiles. An estimated superficial cooling power of over 80 W/m² can be considered, plus an 8 to 10ºC cooling effect on the air temperature Its application is particularly interesting at locations with hot-dry climates where there is a high cooling energy demand or where is intended to mitigate the "heat island" effect in urban environments.