Innovative Technology Brings Cool Comfort to Sports Fields
A new type of self-cooling artificial grass is being rolled out in cities across the globe to protect athletes from the dangers of heat exhaustion and sunburns. This innovative turf technology utilizes rainwater storage to provide a cooling effect, making it a welcome respite in scorching weather conditions.
How It Works
The self-cooling artificial grass functions similarly to natural grass, utilizing a process of evaporation to cool the surrounding air. Rainwater is absorbed and stored within the turf, creating a reservoir of moisture that is gradually released as vapor on hot days.
Inspired by Blue-Green Roofs
This cooling innovation draws inspiration from blue-green roofs, which also utilize stored rainwater for surface cooling. This technology has been successfully implemented in cities like Kobe, London, and Amsterdam, bringing a welcome respite from the relentless heat.
Addressing the Heatwave Challenge
With rising global temperatures, traditional artificial turf can become dangerously hot, posing a threat to athletes' safety. This new self-cooling turf addresses this issue by providing a safe and comfortable surface even in extreme heat.
Significant Water Storage Capacity
A standard football field equipped with this cooling technology can hold a remarkable 512,000 liters of rainwater, enough to provide a consistent cooling effect throughout the hottest days.
Effective Cooling Performance
During testing, researchers found that the self-cooling artificial grass never reached a temperature of 37°C, staying a mere 1.7°C warmer than natural grass. This makes it a superior alternative to traditional artificial turf and natural grass, which can wilt under extreme heat.
A Promising Solution for a Warming World
This self-cooling turf technology represents a significant step towards mitigating the dangers of extreme heat in urban environments. By keeping sports fields and public spaces cool and comfortable, it offers a promising solution for a world facing the challenges of global warming.
Summary
The innovative self-cooling artificial grass is poised to revolutionize sports fields and public spaces, offering a welcome respite from the increasing heat caused by global warming. This technology, inspired by blue-green roofs, utilizes rainwater storage and evaporation to cool the surface, providing a safe and comfortable alternative to traditional turf. With a remarkable water storage capacity and proven cooling performance, this technology is paving the way for cooler, safer environments in a world increasingly affected by extreme heat.