Radiative Cooling Surface Final
Radiative Cooling Surface Final
Detailed
Radiative Cooling Surface
Overview
Figure : 1
Introduction to Radiative Cooling
Radiative cooling is a passive cooling technique that leverages the natural phenomenon of heat emission in
the form of infrared radiation. This process allows surfaces to cool below ambient air temperature, even in
warm environments, without consuming external energy. The key principle is that surfaces can radiate heat
into the vast, cold expanse of outer space, bypassing the heat-trapping atmosphere.
Definition Mechanism
Radiative cooling is a natural process where a Objects emit infrared radiation. For radiative
surface emits infrared radiation into the cold cooling, the surface must be designed to reflect
outer space, cooling itself below ambient air solar radiation while efficiently emitting heat in
temperature without consuming external energy. the 8-13 micrometre wavelength range.
Mechanism of Radiative Cooling
Radiative cooling surfaces are typically engineered to have high emissivity in the
infrared spectrum while exhibiting high reflectivity in the visible and near- Solar Radiation
infrared regions. This allows them to effectively radiate heat out to the cold
During the day, the surface reflects solar
cosmos while minimizing the absorption of solar radiation. These surfaces act
radiation, preventing it from heating up.
like one-way mirrors for heat, selectively allowing infrared radiation to escape
while blocking incoming solar energy.
Infrared Emission
The surface should have high Thermal conductivity influences The surface geometry, such as
emissivity in the infrared region the rate at which heat is the shape and orientation, can
to efficiently emit heat and high transferred through the surface. affect the radiative cooling
reflectivity in the visible and A low thermal conductivity helps efficiency. Certain geometries,
near-infrared region to minimize maintain the cooling effect by such as curved surfaces, can
solar energy absorption. limiting heat transfer from the optimize the emission and
environment to the surface. reflection of radiation.
Materials for Radiative
Cooling Surfaces
A variety of materials have been explored for radiative cooling surfaces.
These include traditional materials like polymers and ceramics, as well as
advanced materials like metamaterials and photonic crystals. The choice of
material depends on the desired cooling performance, cost, and durability
requirements.
1 Polymers 2 Ceramics
Polymers like polyethylene Ceramics, such as silica and
and polyvinyl chloride offer alumina, exhibit high
low cost, ease of processing, emissivity in the infrared
and good optical properties. region and are known for their
thermal stability.
3 Metamaterials
Metamaterials are engineered structures with unique optical
properties that can enhance radiative cooling performance by
tailoring the material's emissivity and reflectivity.
Figure : 3
Fabrication and Manufacturing
Techniques
Various fabrication techniques have been developed to create radiative cooling
surfaces with desired properties. These techniques range from conventional
methods like coating and spraying to advanced techniques like 3D printing and roll-
to-roll processing. The choice of technique often depends on the complexity of the
design, material properties, and production scale.
Technique Description
Building Cooling
Radiative cooling surfaces can be incorporated into building roofs and walls to reduce energy
consumption for air conditioning.
Electronics Cooling
Radiative cooling can help dissipate heat from electronic devices like smartphones and laptops,
extending their lifespan and performance.
Energy Harvesting
PDRC – Passive Day-time Radiative Cooling Radiative cooling can be used to generate electricity by exploiting the temperature difference
between a cooled surface and the ambient air.
Figure : 5
1 Testing and Evaluation
2 Data Analysis
Experimental data is analyzed to identify key factors
Figure : 6
influencing cooling performance and guide further
optimization.
Figure 3 - https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsaom.3c00212
Figure 4 - https://thors.com/the-roll-forming-process-in-7-basic-steps/
Figure 5 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_daytime_radiative_cooling
Figure 6 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468606921002926
Figure 7 - https://opticsblog.bruker.com/a-really-hot-topic-passive-radiative-cooling-and-the-role-of-ftir-in-its-development/
THANK YOU