Reconfigurable, zero-energy, and wide-temperature loss-assisted thermal nonreciprocal metamaterials

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• Thermal nonreciprocity is crucial for heat dissipation and energy efficiency.
• Current methods often rely on complex metamaterials with limitations in adjustability and energy consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a framework for reconfigurable, zero-energy thermal nonreciprocity.
• To utilize natural convection in bulk materials for asymmetric heat loss.

Main Methods:

• Employing vertical slabs of natural bulk materials to induce asymmetric heat loss via natural convection.
• Modifying heat loss by adjusting slab thermal conductivity, size, placement, and quantity for reconfigurability.

Main Results:

• Achieved reconfigurable thermal nonreciprocity using only environmental temperature gradients.
• Demonstrated zero-energy operation across a wide temperature range.
• Disrupted inversion symmetry in thermal conduction through natural convection.

Conclusions:

• Presents a new approach to thermal nonreciprocity using readily available materials.
• Enables precise control over thermal nonreciprocity without external energy input.
• Opens avenues for advanced nonreciprocal devices like thermal diodes and topological states.