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Mechanical power generation using Earth's ambient radiation.

Tristan J Deppe1, Jeremy N Munday1

  • 1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.

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|November 12, 2025
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study presents a novel method for generating mechanical power and air circulation using Earth's ambient radiation and a Stirling engine. The technology achieves significant temperature differences, offering a scalable solution for passive cooling and ventilation applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Thermodynamics
  • Sustainable Energy
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Radiative cooling offers passive cooling below ambient temperatures by emitting heat to the sky.
  • Existing methods for power generation via radiative cooling often rely on scarce or difficult-to-scale materials.
  • Harnessing ambient radiation for mechanical power is an underexplored area for sustainable energy solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate a novel approach for generating mechanical power from Earth's ambient radiation.
  • To investigate the potential of a Stirling engine for passive cooling and power generation.
  • To assess the feasibility of this technology for applications like air circulation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing a Stirling engine to convert thermal gradients from radiative cooling into mechanical power.
  • Conducting year-round outdoor experiments to measure temperature differences and power output.
  • Applying the generated mechanical power for air circulation and measuring flow rates.

Main Results:

  • Sustained temperature differences exceeding 10°C were achieved for most of the year.
  • Mechanical power generation of over 400 milliwatts per square meter was demonstrated, with potential exceeding 6 watts per square meter.
  • Air circulation speeds greater than 0.3 meters per second were achieved, with potential volumetric flow rates over 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm).

Conclusions:

  • The Stirling engine approach offers a viable method for generating mechanical power and air circulation using ambient radiation.
  • This technology presents a scalable and potentially cost-effective alternative to existing radiative cooling power generation methods.
  • The demonstrated capabilities are sufficient for applications such as CO2 circulation in greenhouses and enhancing thermal comfort in buildings.