Systems and methods for tunable radiative cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiative cooling technologies are static and unable to dynamically adjust between nocturnal and daytime cooling modes based on varying wavelength requirements, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An optical metamaterials system incorporating an electroactive substrate and nanoparticles, where the substrate's shape is manipulated via an electric source to change the absorption or emission band of the nanoparticles, allowing the system to tune radiative cooling according to dominant wavelengths, shifting between infrared and ultraviolet spectra as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static radiative cooling layers are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system cannot dynamically adjust between nocturnal and daytime cooling modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using an electroactive substrate that can change its shape or period in response to applied voltage, enabling the radiative cooling system to dynamically adjust its optical properties. This allows the system to switch between nocturnal and daytime cooling modes by altering the substrate's physical state, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring completely separate static structures for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the period or shape of the electroactive substrate through voltage control, which directly changes the resonance frequency and optical absorption/emission characteristics of the nanoparticles. This enables tuning of the radiative cooling properties to match different dominant wavelengths in nocturnal versus daytime conditions, achieving versatility through controllable parameter variation.
2Reliability
If static radiative cooling layers are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the cooling performance is limited by inability to tune to dominant wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The electroactive substrate provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the system to reliably optimize cooling performance by tuning to the dominant wavelengths of either nocturnal or daytime conditions. The ability to change the substrate's period or shape in real-time ensures the system maintains high effectiveness across varying environmental conditions, overcoming the limitations of static designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single optical metamaterials system that can perform both nocturnal radiative cooling and daytime radiative cooling functions. The electroactive substrate enables this multi-functionality by allowing the same nanoparticle array to be tuned to different wavelength ranges, eliminating the need for separate specialized structures for each operating mode.
3Productivity
If the electroactive substrate shape is manipulated to tune nanoparticles, then radiative cooling is optimized for current wavelengths, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electroactive substrate inherently provides the tuning mechanism through its response to applied voltage, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The substrate's electroactive properties enable it to self-adjust its shape or period, thereby optimizing cooling efficiency through a relatively simple electrical control system rather than complex mechanical or optical tuning apparatus.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables dynamic and efficient radiative cooling by adjusting the optical properties of nanoparticles in response to changing ambient wavelengths, optimizing cooling performance throughout the day.
Implementation Method 1
manipulating a shape of the electroactive substrate between an unactuated mode and an actuated mode to change an absorption band or an emission band of the plurality of nanoparticles
Implementation Method 2
Passive radiative cooling is known for improving energy efficiencies by providing a path to dissipate heat from a structure into an atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
change an absorption band or an emission band of the plurality of nanoparticles
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a system with an electroactive substrate, a plurality of nanoparticles, and a control unit. The plurality of nanoparticles deposited in communication with the electroactive substrate. The control unit is configured to manipulate a shape of the electroactive substrate between an unactuated mode and an actuated mode to change an absorption band or an emission band of the plurality of nanoparticles. When the electroactive substrate shape is manipulated, the absorption band or the emission band of the plurality of nanoparticles is changed to tune the system for a radiative cooling based on a current dominating wavelength.