Invention:
This technology introduces a novel mirror-based system designed to enhance the radiative cooling performance of windows. By reflecting thermal infrared (IR) radiation emitted by the window toward the sky while blocking ambient IR radiation from the ground, the system improves passive cooling efficiency. The mirror is coated with a spectrally selective material that reflects mid-to-far IR wavelengths (8–13 μm) while absorbing visible and near-infrared sunlight, preventing unwanted heating inside buildings. This innovation reduces reliance on air conditioning, enabling lower energy consumption and carbon emissions while contributing to global cooling efforts.
Background:
Buildings heavily depend on air conditioning systems to manage heat, resulting in high energy consumption and significant carbon emissions. Radiative cooling technologies offer a passive alternative by emitting thermal energy into the cold sky, but their effectiveness is limited by ambient IR radiation from the ground. Current solutions, such as reflective paints and coatings, fail to fully optimize thermal management or are impractical for seamless integration into building designs. This technology addresses these challenges by leveraging a spectrally selective mirror system that maximizes outgoing IR radiation while minimizing heat gain, creating a more effective cooling solution.
Applications:
- Radiative cooling
- Energy-efficient building design
- Window and façade systems for residential and commercial buildings
- Green building and sustainability projects
Advantages:
- Energy Savings: Reduces reliance on air conditioning by enhancing passive heat removal
- Architectural Flexibility: Can be seamlessly integrated into existing or new building designs without aesthetic disruption
- Scalable Impact: Large-scale adoption can contribute to global cooling by increasing Earth's thermal IR emission into space
- Innovative Design: Spectrally selective coating ensures optimized thermal performance and minimal heat gain
