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First order calculations of the relative thermal footprint of adaptive and traditional radiative coolers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Adaptive radiative coolers, like thermochromic and electrochromic thermal emitters, are more energy-efficient than traditional radiative coolers because they do not overcool buildings in the winter. This means that they have a CO2 emissions reductions benefit from a climate-change perspective. However, because this functionality also inevitably traps solar or longwave heat on earth, adaptive radiative coolers may not be sustainable for building thermoregulation. We show through first order calculations that compared to static traditional radiative coolers, adaptive radiative coolers with switchable emittance will trap more heat on earth than they will help lose by reducing CO2 emissions, for the foreseeable future. Detailed calculations show that adaptive radiative coolers may have a net heating penalty relative to traditional radiative coolers that lasts beyond this century.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNew Concepts in Solar and Thermal Radiation Conversion VI
EditorsPeter Bermel, Jeremy N. Munday
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510691049
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 19 2025
Event6th New Concepts in Solar and Thermal Radiation Conversion - San Diego, United States
Duration: Aug 3 2025Aug 4 2025

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13598
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

Conference6th New Concepts in Solar and Thermal Radiation Conversion
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period8/3/258/4/25

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Instrumentation
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Keywords

  • Adaptive Radiative Coolers
  • Dynamic Radiative Coolers
  • Electrochromism
  • Energy Savings
  • Environmental Impact
  • Radiative Cooling
  • Thermal footprint
  • Thermochromism

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