Radiative sky cooling: Fundamental principles, materials, and applications

• DOI: 10.1063/1.5087281
• Publication Date: 2019-04-16T17:44:42Z
• Authors: Dongliang Zhao; Ablimit Aili; Yao Zhai; Shaoyu Xu; Gang Tan; Xiaobo Yin; Ronggui Yang
• Keywords: Radiative Cooling; Passive cooling

Radiative sky cooling cools an object on the earth by emitting thermal infrared radiation to cold universe through atmospheric window (8–13 μm). It consumes no electricity and has great potential be explored for of buildings, vehicles, solar cells, even power plants. been in past few decades but limited nighttime use only. Very recently, owing progress nanophotonics metamaterials, daytime radiative achieve subambient temperatures under direct sunlight experimentally demonstrated. More excitingly, manufacturing material roll-to-roll process makes large-scale deployment technology possible. This work reviews fundamental principles as well recent advances, from both materials systems point view. Potential applications different scenarios are reviewed with special attention viability benefits. As energy situation environmental issues become more severe 21st century, can saving buildings mitigating urban heat island effect, resolving water issues, achieving efficient generation, fighting against global warming problem.