Worldwide potential of emissive materials based radiative cooling technologies to mitigate urban overheating

Radiative cooling has gained significant attention in recent years for its passive heat evacuation capabilities. Numerous materials have been developed, but comparing their cooling effectiveness has proven challenging due to inconsistent experimental conditions. This study aims to bridge this gap by...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Carlosena Remírez, Laura, Ruiz-Pardo, Álvaro, Rodríguez-Jara, Enrique Ángel, Santamouris, Mattheos
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Universidad San Jorge (USJ)
Repositorio:Academica-e. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad Pública de Navarra
OAI Identifier:oai:academica-e.unavarra.es:2454/46250
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2454/46250
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Radiative cooling
Urban heat island
Radiant heat transfer
Worldwide
Cooling potential
Descripción
Sumario:Radiative cooling has gained significant attention in recent years for its passive heat evacuation capabilities. Numerous materials have been developed, but comparing their cooling effectiveness has proven challenging due to inconsistent experimental conditions. This study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating the heat evacuation potential of various radiative cooling materials under consistent climatic conditions. Using a validated heat transfer model, the performance of eleven materials was simulated in twenty-two Urban Overheating-affected cities. The assessment considered factors such as radiated heat losses, solar heat gains, and convective heat losses to gauge the cooling power of each material. The simulation assumed an active system where the materials were placed on a highly conductive, uninsulated surface, akin to having a fluid at a constant temperature beneath. The ability of materials to radiate heat and cool down depends on their optical properties. The findings suggest limited benefits in equatorial climates, with an average monthly total heat exchanged (MATHE) of −19.73 kWhm−2. Materials displayed consistent behavior throughout the year in climates with high relative humidity levels. Climates with elevated ambient temperatures derived the greatest advantages from strictly selective and highly reflective materials that emitted within the atmospheric window. Arid climates showed potential during transition times (MATHE -74.5 kWhm−2), while warm temperate climes benefited during summer months (MATHE -112.1 kWhm−2). In snow zone climates, the system could be utilized year-round for cooling-intensive scenarios, with a MATHE of −203.8 kWhm−2. This study evaluates radiative cooling materials' effectiveness in different climates, informing energy-efficient cooling applications.