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Phase Change Material Enhanced Radiative Cooler for Temperature-Adaptive Thermal Regulation
Meng Yang1,2, Hongmei Zhong2, Tao Li1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
ACS Nano
|January 12, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a phase change material-enhanced radiative cooler (PCMRC) that adapts to day and night temperatures. This innovative passive radiative cooling (PRC) design offers improved thermal management and broader applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Thermodynamics
- Sustainable Energy
Background:
- Passive radiative cooling (PRC) offers an electricity-free cooling solution but often suffers from overcooling at night.
- Existing PRC designs prioritize daytime performance, neglecting diurnal temperature fluctuations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a temperature-adaptive passive radiative cooler.
- To integrate PRC with room-temperature phase change material for enhanced thermal management.
Main Methods:
- Designed and fabricated a phase change material-enhanced radiative cooler (PCMRC).
- Evaluated the PCMRC's performance under direct sunlight and at night.
Main Results:
- The PCMRC achieved an average subambient temperature drop of ~6.3 °C under direct sunlight.
- The PCMRC exhibited an average temperature rise of ~2.1 °C above ambient temperature at night.
- Demonstrated a reduced temperature difference between day and night conditions.
Conclusions:
- The developed PCMRC provides effective temperature-adaptive passive radiative cooling.
- This technology shows significant promise for passive radiative cooling regulation.
- The PCMRC can extend the application scope of passive radiative cooling strategies.
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