Toward Human Thermal Comfort: An Adaptive Solar-Radiative Thermoregulator

Area of Science:

• Building Science
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Current adaptive thermoregulators prioritize air temperature, overlooking complex human thermal perception.
• Human thermal comfort is influenced by multiple environmental factors beyond air temperature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel thermal-comfort-oriented design paradigm for adaptive thermoregulation.
• To develop and demonstrate a multi-stimuli-responsive thermoregulator for buildings.

Main Methods:

• Integrated environmental stimuli sensing (temperature, humidity, solar irradiance).
• Demonstrated a proof-of-concept thermoregulator with stepless thermal regulation.
• Conducted field tests in model houses and simulations across diverse climates.

Main Results:

• The thermoregulator maintained thermal comfort for up to 6 hours with zero daytime energy consumption.
• Achieved a thermal regulation range from 824 W m⁻² (heating) to -114 W m⁻² (cooling).
• Simulations predict 15%-50% energy reduction in buildings compared to standard roofs.

Conclusions:

• Multi-stimuli-responsive thermoregulation offers significant potential for energy-efficient building thermal management.
• The developed device demonstrates mechanical robustness and reliability for practical application.
• This approach enhances indoor thermal comfort while reducing building energy consumption globally.