Abstract
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The implementation of ‘cool’ roofing materials, with high solar reflectance and infrared emittance, has received significant attention in recent years, as a method to mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce building cooling energy requirements. The effect of ‘cool’ roofs on heat transfer through the roof structure has been investigated by many researchers. However, the air temperature field above roofs and the influence of elevated above-roof air temperatures on the performance of rooftop air-conditioning equipment and photovoltaic panels have not been studied in depth.