A new metamaterial developed by a team of engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder has the ability to passively cool objects, even under direct sunlight.
The new material is a glass-polymer hybrid that measures 50 micrometers thick and reflects incoming solar energy while simultaneously allowing the surface it is applied to shed heat in the form of infrared thermal radiation, CU Boulder Today reports.
In order to accomplish the dual tasks of reflecting solar energy while also allowing infrared radiation to escape, the engineers embedded visibly-scattering but infrared-radiant glass microspheres into a polymer film. A thin silver coating was added underneath to achieve maximum spectral reflectance.
One of the researchers said through the addition of 10 to 20 sm of the material to a single-family rooftop, the house can be significantly cooled down in the summer. Because the metamaterial can be produced economically on rolls, applications can range from small single-family homes to large commercial projects.
Additionally, the glass-polymer hybrid can be used to improve the efficiency and lifetime of solar panels by preventing them from overheating, which reduces the ability to convert solar rays into electricity.
The next step for the researchers is to create a 200-sm ācooling farmā prototype this year while they wait to hear back regarding a patent.
Ā
Click here to read the original article and for images of the new material.
Related Stories
| Dec 28, 2014
New trends in ceiling designs and materials [AIA course]
A broad array of new and improved ceiling products offers designers everything from superior acoustics and closed-loop, recycled content to eased integration with lighting systems, HVAC diffusers, fire sprinkler heads, and other overhead problems. This course describes how Building Teams are exploring ways to go beyond the treatment of ceilings as white, monolithic planes.
| Oct 30, 2014
CannonDesign releases guide for specifying flooring in healthcare settings
The new report, "Flooring Applications in Healthcare Settings," compares and contrasts different flooring types in the context of parameters such as health and safety impact, design and operational issues, environmental considerations, economics, and product options.
| Oct 16, 2014
Perkins+Will white paper examines alternatives to flame retardant building materials
The white paper includes a list of 193 flame retardants, including 29 discovered in building and household products, 50 found in the indoor environment, and 33 in human blood, milk, and tissues.
| Oct 14, 2014
Proven 6-step approach to treating historic windows
This course provides step-by-step prescriptive advice to architects, engineers, and contractors on when it makes sense to repair or rehabilitate existing windows, and when they should advise their building owner clients to consider replacement.Ā
| Sep 25, 2014
Arup's Solarleaf faƧade system wins Zumtobel innovation award
The system uses the bio-chemical process of photosynthesis to absorb CO2 emissions, while cultivating microalgae to generate biomass and heat as renewable energy resources.
Sponsored | | Sep 15, 2014
Fire resistance of metal cladding is an asset in wildfire-prone areas
Construction projects in fire-prone areas need to take wildfire danger into account, and metal panels provide some fire-resistant qualities.
| Sep 5, 2014
Tyco SimplexGrinnell receives Internet of Things Innovator of the Year Award
The award recognizes the company for excellence in leveraging advanced Internet-connected technology to deliver smart eService fire alarm solutions that improve service delivery and provide significant value to customers.
| Aug 21, 2014
Firestone Building Products' Bristol facility chosen as Northeast business leader for energy efficiency
Firestone Building Products Company, LLC announced that its Bristol, Conn. manufacturing facility was recognized by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) as a 2014 Northeast Business Leader for Energy Efficiency.Ā
| Aug 5, 2014
New bomb-proof concrete mixture used in One World Trade Center
The new concrete mix deforms instead of breaking, removing the threat of flying debris in an explosive attack.Ā
| Aug 1, 2014
Johns Manville realigning Engineered Products into global business unit
New structure of Johns Manville Engineered Products unit expected to enhance customer experiences while strengthening innovation, agility, and manufacturing capabilities.