University of Maryland researchers’ new technology is a microporous glass coating that can lower the temperature of materials At noon it is 3.5 degrees Celsius below it. What is said to be new glass is New “cooling glass” that relieves indoor heat Using the cold depths of space without using electricity.
Research team led by Distinguished Professor Liangbing Hu of the University of Maryland School of Materials Science and Engineering A paper published in the journal Science describes the new technology.
This coating works in two ways. For one, it reflects up to 99% of solar radiation, preventing buildings from absorbing heat. More interestingly, it emits heat into the icy universe in the form of longwave infrared radiation, whose temperature is typically around -270 degrees Celsius, or just a few degrees above absolute zero.
In a phenomenon known as “radiative cooling,” spaces effectively act as heat sinks for buildings. They use new cooling glass designs and so-called atmospheric transparency windows (the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that passes through the atmosphere without increasing its temperature) to release large amounts of heat into the infinite cold sky beyond. To do. (A similar phenomenon causes the Earth to cool itself, especially on clear nights, but the emissions are much less intense than those from the new glass developed at UMD.)
“This is an innovative technology that simplifies how we keep buildings cool and energy efficient,” said research assistant Xinpeng Zhao, lead author of the study. It could help you take better care of your home.” our star. “
Unlike previous attempts at cooling coatings, the new glass developed by UMD is environmentally stable, withstanding exposure to water, UV light, dirt, and even flame, and withstands temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. can withstand.
Because glass can be applied to a variety of surfaces such as tile, brick, and metal, the technology is highly scalable and can be adopted for a wide range of applications.
The research team could use finely ground glass particles as a binder, bypassing polymers and increasing long-term durability outdoors, Zhao said. We then selected a particle size that maximizes the release of infrared heat while reflecting sunlight.
The development of chilled glass is in line with global efforts to reduce energy consumption and combat climate change, Hu said.
“This ‘cooling glass’ is not just a new material, it is an important part of the solution to climate change,” he said. “By reducing the use of air conditioning, we reduce our energy usage and take a big step towards reducing our carbon footprint. This shows how new technology can help create a cooler, greener world. It shows you.”
In addition to Hu and Zhao, Jelena Srebric and Zongfu Yu, professors of mechanical engineering in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, are co-authors of the study, each contributing expertise in CO2 reduction and structural design. There is. .
The team is now focused on further testing and practical application of the cooled glass. They are optimistic about its commercialization prospects and have formed a startup company, CeraCool, to scale and commercialize it.
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Considering that this coating can be applied to more than just window glass, the potential for use increases dramatically. In many tropical and temperate regions, this technology could be the key to reducing air conditioning costs.
The problem is that at high latitudes, the amount of solar radiation during the winter months is quite welcome. But in areas where heating is rare, this technology should become very popular.
This technology has a useful future in most of the human living and working spaces.
Written by Brian Westenhouse new energy and fuel
