Revolution in passive cooling: Scientists unveil electricity-free tech keeping homes cooler
As pointed out by the Canadian Architect, scientists from American and Canadian universities have developed a new standard for passive cooling of buildings. This new technology is designed to be utilized in areas like California, where the heat often necessitates the use of traditional air conditioners.
3:48 PM EST, December 28, 2023
However, noted for their effectiveness, these conventional devices are detrimental to the environment. Conventional air conditioning relies on electrical energy to operate. The technology, jointly designed by McGill, UCLA, and Princeton, allows for the cooling of building interiors without the need for electricity. But how is this even possible? How does this non-electric air conditioning work?
Thermal energy-reflective material
In general terms, the project from US and Canadian researchers builds on methods of passive building cooling, a concept engineers have been exploring since the 1960s. Felix Trombe, a French engineer, was known for designing buildings with facades made for cooling. These were covered with synthetic panels that allowed infrared to pass through, coupled with an element that expelled indoor air.
The most recent concept highlighted by the Canadian Architect, however, is simpler in design yet more effective. The technology relies on a reflective coating material on roofs that reflects heat rather than absorbing thermal energy, thus preventing interior spaces from heating up excessively.
Research has demonstrated the effective impact of these newly-developed panels. They can maintain interior air temperatures a few degrees below the outside temperature without compromising air circulation within the room. Test trials showed that rooms utilizing this technique were about 16.02 degrees Fahrenheit cooler compared to those using conventional passive cooling methods.
