Solar Reflectance of Monolayer Covered and Clean Water Surfaces

摘要

The main purpose of this investigation was to examine critically the effect of evaporation reducing monolayers on the radiant energy transfer to water storage systems. In addition, a major search was made to find a monolayer or film-forming material with good diffusion barrier capabilities that was also capable of increasing the solar energy reflectance. A mechanism was developed which allows the prediction of the capability of a given chemical to act as a barrier to the passage of water. Experimental tests were run to determine the percentage increase in solar reflectance of the particular film or monolayer over that of a plain water surface. In addition, an analytical study was undertaken to predict the changes in evaporation which would accompany various arbitrary changes in the reflectance of the water surfaces.