Columbia Technology Ventures

Zigzag wall structure for passive radiative cooling

This technology describes a zigzag wall structure that allows for the passive cooling of buildings by radiative cooling in hot environments.

Unmet Need: Effective building cooling systems

The continued rise of global temperatures necessitates better mechanisms for keeping buildings cool while limiting energy expenditure, especially in hot environments. Passive radiative cooling technologies are ideal because they allow for the transfer of radiation energy from the hot earth to the cool sky without energy consumption. However, current passive radiative cooling technologies require further optimization in order to prevent heat absorption and more efficiently cool buildings.

The Technology: Zigzag wall structure for passive radiative cooling of buildings

This technology is a zigzag wall structure that achieves passive radiative cooling of buildings using a combination of commonly used radiative cooling materials and reflective metals. This structure cuts off radiative heat transfer from the hot ground while the reflective metals allow for radiation transfer to the sky, resulting in greater cooling ability. The radiative cooling provided by this technology is further increased at higher temperatures.

Applications:

  • Cooling mechanism for industrial, commercial, and residential buildings/structures
  • Method for reducing urban heat island effect
  • More cost-efficient approach to provide cooling habitats for communities in tropical regions

Advantages:

  • Uses common and accessible materials
  • Achieves greater cooling at higher temperatures
  • Cuts off radiative heat transfer from the ground
  • Energy efficient, reducing the need for electrical cooling devices

Lead Inventor:

Yuan Yang, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

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