Scientists have developed a revolutionary cooling device that can reduce energy consumption by 50% compared to traditional air conditioning methods. The innovative device uses radiative cooling technology, which cools surfaces rather than blowing air.
The Chinese team behind the project published their findings in Cell Reports Physical Science. Their prototype device uses thermoelectric cooling modules connected to pipes and a fan on one side, and an aluminum panel on the other. While the pipes and fan act as a heat sink, the aluminum panel becomes extremely cold, making it ideal for radiant cooling.
In tests, the device successfully cooled a human skin simulator by 7.3°C and saved up to 50.4% energy compared to traditional methods. The researchers note that their device can achieve both pure radiant cooling and heating simply by reversing the current direction.
While the device is promising, it’s not without its limitations. It cannot remove moisture from humid environments, making a dehumidifier a necessary addition. However, the team believes that better thermoelectric devices and materials like aerogel could further reduce energy costs and improve performance.
The researchers’ work has the potential to stimulate more research in pure radiant cooling and revolutionize air-conditioning system design.
Source: https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/engineering/air-conditioning-radiative-cooling/