Engineers have developed a new type of cooling and heating technology for buildings that is said to be cost-effective, environmentally friendly and particularly energy efficient. Many air conditioning systems may have had their day.
Average temperatures worldwide are rising due to climate change. It therefore hardly seems surprising that solutions for cooling buildings are more in demand than ever. The Engineers at the University of California (UCLA) also see it that way. They developed a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to cool buildings in summer and heat them in winter.
The method uses common building materials that absorb or radiate heat to regulate the temperature. The research team, led by Aaswath Raman, developed a technique that manipulates the movement of radiant heat through common building materials to optimize thermal management.
Alternative to air conditioning: Sustainable cooling and heating technology
Radiant heat carried by electromagnetic waves travels in different ways between buildings and their surroundings. A common problem is that buildings with less upward-facing surfaces are difficult to cool in summer. This is because they absorb heat from the floor and neighboring walls.
In winter, however, such structures quickly lose heat when the outside temperature drops. The researchers therefore identified materials such as polypropylene. These absorb and emit heat particularly effectively in a specific infrared spectrum. Such materials, which are often found in household plastics, could be used to regulate the temperature of buildings in the future.
Approach is easy to scale
Passive cooling and heating technology could contribute significantly to energy savings by reducing the need for air conditioning and heating. After all, they are often expensive to operate and contribute to global CO₂ emissions.
The approach is also scalable and could be particularly important in low-income communities that have little or no access to cooling and heating systems. Raman and his team plan to expand their approach to larger buildings and demonstrate their real-world energy savings. It will start in heat-prone areas in Southern California.
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The article Alternative to air conditioning? Researchers develop innovative building cooling by Felix Baumann appeared first on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a tech industry expert, I am excited to see researchers developing innovative building cooling alternatives to traditional air conditioning systems. The use of alternative cooling methods not only reduces energy consumption and environmental impact, but also offers new opportunities for sustainable and efficient cooling solutions.
Some of the alternative cooling technologies being developed include radiant cooling systems, geothermal cooling, evaporative cooling, and phase change materials. These methods have the potential to significantly reduce energy costs and carbon emissions associated with cooling buildings.
It is important for the tech industry to support and invest in the development of these alternative cooling technologies to help accelerate their adoption and widespread use. By embracing innovative solutions, we can create a more sustainable and efficient built environment that benefits both the environment and society as a whole.
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