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Multifunctional Janus-Coated Metafabric for Personal Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficient Buildings
Yiqi Dong1, Lindai Sun1, Yujie Guo1
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 24, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a Janus-coated fabric (JCF) for passive radiative cooling and solar heating. The JCF fabric offers energy-efficient thermal management for buildings and personal comfort.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Engineering
- Sustainable Technology
Background:
- Global energy consumption for space cooling and heating is substantial.
- Current HVAC systems primarily focus on indoor temperature control.
- There is a need for energy-efficient, adaptable thermal management solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional Janus-coated fabric (JCF) for radiative cooling, solar heating, and Joule heating.
- To demonstrate the fabric's ability to utilize ambient space and solar radiation for thermal management.
- To evaluate the JCF's performance in diverse environmental conditions without external energy input.
Main Methods:
- Fabric coated with specific materials to control reflectivity, emissivity, and absorptivity.
- Testing of radiative cooling performance under ambient conditions.
- Evaluation of solar heating efficiency under direct sunlight.
- Assessment of Joule heating capabilities and electrical response.
- Building energy simulations to predict large-scale impact.
Main Results:
- Radiative cooling layer achieved 96% solar reflectivity and 96% infrared emissivity, reducing ambient temperature by 3.1 °C.
- Solar heating mode demonstrated a 13.3 °C radiation warming ability.
- JCF showed fast electrical response and high-efficiency heat conversion for active heating.
- Simulations predict over 25 MJ/m² energy savings in 80% of Chinese cities with JCF deployment.
Conclusions:
- The multifunctional Janus-coated fabric offers a practical approach to radiative heat management.
- JCF presents significant potential for improving human thermal comfort, smart wearables, and building energy efficiency.
- This technology provides an energy-saving alternative to conventional cooling and heating systems.
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