Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sub-ambient radiative cooling and its application in buildings

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Building Simulation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Radiative cooling can effectively reduce energy consumption for building applications. As a passive cooling technology, a radiative cooling system radiates heat into space via infrared radiation whenever the effective sky temperature is colder than the body surface. Although radiative cooling has been proposed for many years, its application is limited to nighttime operation due to the constraints of the materials and diurnal radiative cooling technology. The radiative cooling surfaces recently developed, which can produce approximately 100 W/m2 average daily cooling power, are perfectly applicable for employment in a passive cooling system during the day. This paper reviews the development of radiative cooling techniques and their application in buildings. The existing models for the heat balance of radiative cooling systems are introduced, and the contributions of solar radiation, forced convection, and atmospheric conditions are also discussed in detail. Recent advancements in diurnal cooling approaches and associated radiative cooling surfaces are outlined, and the application prospects are analyzed, accounting for the energy saving potential. In addition, several feasible radiative cooling systems are proposed in this study.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aamir M, Qiang L, Hong W, Xun Z, Wang J, Sajid M (2017). Transient heat transfer performance of stainless steel structured surfaces combined with air-water spray evaporative cooling at high temperature scenarios. Applied Thermal Engineering, 115: 418–434.

    Google Scholar 

  • Addeo A, Nicolais L, Romeo G, Bartoli B, Coluzzi B, Silvestrini V (1980). Light selective structures for large scale natural air conditioning. Solar Energy, 24: 93–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akbari H, Bretz S, Kurn DM, Hanford J (1997). Peak power and cooling energy savings of high-albedo roofs. Energy and Buildings, 25: 117–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akbari H (2003). Measured energy savings from the application of reflective roofs in two small non-residential buildings. Energy, 28: 953–967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akbari H, Konopacki S (2004). Energy effects of heat-island reduction strategies in Toronto, Canada. Energy, 29: 191–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ali AHH (2007). Passive cooling of water at night in uninsulated open tank in hot arid areas. Energy Conversion and Management, 48: 93–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anderson TN, Duke M, Carson JK (2013). Performance of an unglazed solar collector for radiant cooling. In: Proceedings of Australian Solar Cooling 2013 Conference, Sydney, Australia.

  • Ao X, Hu M, Zhao B, Chen N, Pei G, Zou C (2019). Preliminary experimental study of a specular and a diffuse surface for daytime radiative cooling. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 191: 290–296.

    Google Scholar 

  • ASHRAE (2010). Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. ASHRAE/IESNA Standard. Atlanta, GA, USA: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bagiorgas HS, Mihalakakou G (2008). Experimental and theoretical investigation of a nocturnal radiator for space cooling. Renewable Energy, 33: 1220–1227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bartoli B, Catalanotti S, Coluzzi B, Cuomo V, Silvestrini V, Troise G (1977). Nocturnal and diurnal performances of selective radiators. Applied Energy, 3: 267–286.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellos E, Tzivanidis C, Symeou C, Antonopoulos KA (2017). Energetic, exergetic and financial evaluation of a solar driven absorption chiller—A dynamic approach. Energy Conversion and Management, 137: 34–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berdahl P, Fromberg R (1982). The thermal radiance of clear skies. Solar Energy, 29: 299–314.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berdahl P, Martin M (1984). Emissivity of clear skies. Solar Energy, 32: 663–664.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berger X, Buriot D, Garnier F (1984). About the equivalent radiative temperature for clear skies. Solar Energy, 32: 725–733.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhatia B, Leroy A, Shen Y, Zhao L, Gianello M, Li D, Gu T, Hu J, Soljačić M, Wang EN (2018). Passive directional sub-ambient daytime radiative cooling. Nature Communications, 9: 5001.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bliss RW, Jr (1961). Atmospheric radiation near the surface of the ground: a summary for engineers. Solar Energy, 5: 103–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunt D (1932). Notes on radiation in the atmosphere.I. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Sociey, 58: 389–420.

    Google Scholar 

  • Catalanotti S, Cuomo V, Piro G, Ruggi D, Silvestrini V, Troise G (1975). The radiative cooling of selective surfaces. Solar Energy, 17: 83–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cavelius R, Isaksson C, Perednis E, Read GE (2005). Passive Cooling Technologies. Vienna: Austrian Energy Agency.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cavelius R, Isaksson C, Perednis E, Read G (2007). Passive cooling Technologies: Evaporative Cooling, Radiative Cooling, Night Ventilation, Earth to Air Heat Exchangers, Energy Ponds, Groundwater/Sea/River/Lake Water Cooling, Cooling Towers. Vienna: Austrian Energy Agency.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen B, Guenther R, Kasher J, Maloney J, Kratochvil J, Sloup C (1987). Cooling performance curve for the Nebraska modified roof pond. In: ASES Conference Proceedings, Portland.

  • Chen B, Guenther R, Kasher J, Maloney J, Kratochvil J (1988). Modeling of the radiative, convective, and evaporative heat transfer mechanism of the Nebraska modified roof pond for the determination of cooling performance curves. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Solar Energy Society.

  • Chen B, Kasher J, Maloney J, Girgis GA, Clark D (1991). Determination of the clear sky emissivity for use in cool storage roof and roof pond applications. In: Proceedings of ASES Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, USA.

  • Chen B, Clark D, Maloney J, Mei WN, Kasher J (1995). Measurement of night sky emissivity in determining radiant cooling from cool storage roofs and roof ponds. In: Proceedings of the National Passive Solar Conference.

  • Chen Z, Zhu J, Bai H (2017a). Performance assessment of a membrane liquid desiccant dehumidification cooling system based on experimental investigations. Energy and Buildings, 139: 665–679.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Z, Zhu J, Bai H, Yan Y, Zhang L (2017b). Experimental study of a membrane-based dehumidification cooling system. Applied Thermal Engineering, 115: 1315–1321.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Z, Zhu L, Li W, Fan S (2019a). Simultaneously and synergistically harvest energy from the Sun and outer space. Joule, 3: 101–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng Z, Wang F, Wang H, Liang H, Ma L (2019b). Effect of embedded polydisperse glass microspheres on radiative cooling of a coating. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 140: 358–367.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark G, Allen C (1978). The estimation of atmospheric radiation for clear and cloudy skies. In: Proceedings of the 2nd National Passive Solar Conference (AS/ISES), Philadelphia, USA.

  • Clear RD, Gartland L, Winkelmann FC (2003). An empirical correlation for the outside convective air-film coefficient for horizontal roofs. Energy and Buildings, 35: 797–811.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins T, Parker DS (1998). Technology installation review: WhiteCap roof spray cooling system. Richland, WA, USA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

    Google Scholar 

  • Didari A, Elçioğlu EB, Okutucu-Özyurt T, Mengüç MP (2018). Near-field radiative transfer in spectrally tunable double-layer phononpolaritonic metamaterials. Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer, 212: 120–127.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eicker U, Dalibard A (2011). Photovoltaic-thermal collectors for night radiative cooling of buildings. Solar Energy, 85: 1322–1335.

    Google Scholar 

  • Family R, Mengüc MP (2017). Materials for radiative cooling: A review. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 38: 752–759.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fan S (2017). Thermal photonics and energy applications. Joule, 1: 264–273.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fazilati MA, Alemrajabi AA, Sedaghat A (2017). Liquid desiccant air conditioning system with natural convection. Applied Thermal Engineering, 115: 305–314.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez N, Wang W, Alvine KJ, Katipamula S (2015). Energy savings potential of radiative cooling technologies. Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI).

  • Forouzandeh A (2019). Parametric analysis of influence of courtyard microclimate on diminution of convective heat transfer through building’s envelope. Building Simulation, 12: 759–779.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ge X, Sun X (1982). Radiation cooling and the effect of spectral selective characteristics of the radiator on cooling power. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 3: 128–136. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gentle AR, Smith GB (2010). Radiative heat pumping from the earth using surface phonon resonant nanoparticles. Nano Letters, 10: 373–379.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gentle AR, Smith GB (2015). A subambient open roof surface under the mid-summer sun. Advanced Science, 2: 1500119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein EA, Raman AP, Fan S (2017). Sub-ambient non-evaporative fluid cooling with the sky. Nature Energy, 2: 17143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Granqvist CG, Hjortsberg A (1981). Radiative cooling to low temperatures: General considerations and application to selectively emitting SiO films. Journal of Applied Physics, 52: 4205–4220.

    Google Scholar 

  • Granqvist CG (2003). Solar energy materials. Advanced Materials, 15: 1789–1803.

    Google Scholar 

  • Granqvist CG, Niklasson GA (2018). Solar energy materials for thermal applications: A primer. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 180: 213–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hagishima A, Tanimoto J (2003). Field measurements for estimating the convective heat transfer coefficient at building surfaces. Building and Environment, 38: 873–881.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hay HR, Yellott JI (1969). Natural air conditioning with roof ponds and movable insulation. ASHRAE Transactions, 75(1): 165–177.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hollick J (2012). Nocturnal radiation cooling tests. Energy Procedia, 30: 930–936.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hossain MM, Jia B, Gu M (2015). A metamaterial emitter for highly efficient radiative cooling. Advanced Optical Materials, 3: 1047–1051.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hossain MM, Gu M (2016). Radiative cooling: Principles, progress, and potentials. Advanced Science, 3: 1500360.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hosseinzadeh E, Taherian H (2012). An experimental and analytical study of a radiative cooling system with unglazed flat plate collectors. International Journal of Green Energy, 9: 766–779.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu M, Pei G, Wang Q, Li J, Wang Y, Ji J (2016). Field test and preliminary analysis of a combined diurnal solar heating and nocturnal radiative cooling system. Applied Energy, 179: 899–908.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu M, Zhao B, Ao X, Su Y, Pei G (2018a). Numerical study and experimental validation of a combined diurnal solar heating and nocturnal radiative cooling collector. Applied Thermal Engineering, 145: 1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu M, Zhao B, Ao X, Zhao P, Su Y, Pei G (2018b). Field investigation of a hybrid photovoltaic-photothermic-radiative cooling system. Applied Energy, 231: 288–300.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu M, Zhao B, Ao X, Feng J, Cao J, Su Y, Pei G (2019). Experimental study on a hybrid photo-thermal and radiative cooling collector using black acrylic paint as the panel coating. Renewable Energy, 139: 1217–1226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu M, Zhao B, Ao X, Ren X, Cao J, Wang Q, Su Y, Pei G (2020). Performance assessment of a trifunctional system integrating solar PV, solar thermal, and radiative sky cooling. Applied Energy, 260: 114167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang Z, Ruan X (2017). Nanoparticle embedded double-layer coating for daytime radiative cooling. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 104: 890–896.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang X, Zhu Y, Zhang K, Wu J, Liu J, Niu X (2018). Radiative cooling integrated thermal control wall. China Patent, CN201820864558.8, 2018-5-31. (in Chinese)

  • Idso SB, Jackson RD (1969). Thermal radiation from the atmosphere. Journal of Geophysical Research, 74: 5397–5403.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeong SY, Tso CY, Zouagui M, Wong YM, Chao CYH (2018). A numerical study of daytime passive radiative coolers for space cooling in buildings. Building Simulation, 11: 1011–1028.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeong SY, Tso CY, Ha J, Wong YM, Chao CYH, Huang B, Qiu H (2020a). Field investigation of a photonic multi-layered TiO2 passive radiative cooler in sub-tropical climate. Renewable Energy, 146: 44–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeong SY, Tso CY, Wong YM, Chao CYH, Huang B (2020b). Daytime passive radiative cooling by ultra emissive bio-inspired polymeric surface. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 206: 110296.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jia Z, Shuai Y, Li M, Guo Y, Tan H (2018). Enhancement radiative cooling performance of nanoparticle crystal via oxidation. Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer, 207: 23–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson TE (1975). Radiation cooling of structures with infrared transparent wind screens. Solar Energy, 17: 173–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khedari J, Waewsak J, Thepa S, Hirunlabh J (2000). Field investigation of night radiation cooling under tropical climate. Renewable Energy, 20: 183–193.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolokotsa D, Santamouris M, Zerefos SC (2013). Green and cool roofs’ urban heat island mitigation potential in European climates for office buildings under free floating conditions. Solar Energy, 95: 118–130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Konopacki S, Gartland L, Akbari H, Rainer L (1998). Demonstration of energy savings of cool roofs. Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI).

  • Konopacki S, Akbari H (2001). Measured energy savings and demand reduction from a reflective roof membrane on a large retail store in Austin. Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI).

  • Kou J, Jurado Z, Chen Z, Fan S, Minnich AJ (2017). Daytime radiative cooling using near-black infrared emitters. ACS Photonics, 4: 626–630.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee GJ, Kim YJ, Kim HM, Yoo YJ, Song YM (2018). Colored, daytime radiative coolers with thin-film resonators for aesthetic purposes. Advanced Optical Materials, 6: 1800707.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lhomme JP, Vacher JJ, Rocheteau A (2007). Estimating downward long-wave radiation on the Andean Altiplano. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 145: 139–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li J, Jiang Q (2000). The experiments on radiative cooling. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 21: 243–247. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li W, Fan S (2018). Nanophotonic control of thermal radiation for energy applications [Invited]. Optics Express, 26: 15995–16021.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li P, Lu Z, Zhang K, Jiang K, Lu R, Liu J, Niu X (2018). A radiative cooling based vapor compression refrigeration system. China Patent, CN201820864557.3, 2018-5-31. (in Chinese)

  • Liu Y, Harris DJ (2007). Full-scale measurements of convective coefficient on external surface of a low-rise building in sheltered conditions. Building and Environment, 42: 2718–2736.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu CH, Ay C, Kan JC, Lee MT (2018). The effect of radiative cooling on reducing the temperature of greenhouses. Materials, 11: 1166–1179.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu J, Zhang D, Jiao S, Zhou Z, Zhang Z, Gao F (2020). Daytime radiative cooling with clear epoxy resin. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 207: 110368.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loveday DL, Taki AH (1996). Convective heat transfer coefficients at a plane surface on a full-scale building facade. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 39: 1729–1742.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu X, Xu P, Wang H, Yang T, Hou J (2016). Cooling potential and applications prospects of passive radiative cooling in buildings: The current state-of-the-art. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 65: 1079–1097.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lushiku EM, Hjortsberg A, Granqvist CG (1982). Radiative cooling with selectively infrared-emitting ammonia gas. Journal of Applied Physics, 53: 5526–5530.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma M, Zhang K, Chen L, Tang S, Lu Z, Niu X, Li F (2019). A novel air conditioning system and associated integrated device. China Patent, CN201910404259.5, 2019-5-13. (in Chinese)

  • Martin M, Berdahl P (1984). Characteristics of infrared sky radiation in the United States. Solar Energy, 33: 321–336.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maykut GA, Church PE (1973). Radiation climate of Barrow Alaska, 1962–66. Journal of Applied Meteorology, 12: 620–628.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meng S, Long L, Wu Z, Denisuk N, Yang Y, Wang L, Cao F, Zhu Y (2020). Scalable dual-layer film with broadband infrared emission for sub-ambient daytime radiative cooling. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 208: 110393.

    Google Scholar 

  • Merlier L, Frayssinet L, Johannes K, Kuznik F (2019). On the impact of local microclimate on building performance simulation. Part II: Effect of external conditions on the dynamic thermal behavior of buildings. Building Simulation, 12: 747–757.

    Google Scholar 

  • Michell D, Biggs KL (1979). Radiation cooling of buildings at night. Applied Energy, 5: 263–275.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mihalakakou G, Ferrante A, Lewis JO (1998a). The cooling potential of a metallic nocturnal radiator. Energy and Buildings, 28: 251–256.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mihalakakou G, Ferrante A, Lewis JO (1998b). The cooling potential of a metallic nocturnal radiator. Energy and Buildings, 28: 251–256.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ming T, de Richter R, Liu W, Caillol S (2014). Fighting global warming by climate engineering: Is the Earth radiation management and the solar radiation management any option for fighting climate change? Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 31: 792–834.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monteith JL (1961). An empirical method for estimating long-wave radiation exchanges in the British Isles. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, 87: 171–179.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nahar NM, Sharma P, Purohit MM (2003). Performance of different passive techniques for cooling of buildings in arid regions. Building and Environment, 38: 109–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nellis G, Klein S (2009). Heat transfer. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Niemelä S, Räisänen P, Savijärvi H (2001). Comparison of surface radiative flux parameterizations: Part I: Longwave radiation. Atmospheric Research, 58: 1–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nilsson TMJ, Niklasson GA, Granqvist CG (1992). A solar reflecting material for radiative cooling applications: ZnS pigmented polyethylene. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 28: 175–193.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nilsson TMJ, Niklasson GA (1995). Radiative cooling during the day: simulations and experiments on pigmented polyethylene cover foils. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 37: 93–118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Okoronkwo CA, Nwigwe KN, Ogueke NV, Anyanwu EE, Onyejekwe DC, Ugwuoke PE (2014). An experimental investigation of the passive cooling of a building using nighttime radiant cooling. International Journal of Green Energy, 11: 1072–1083.

    Google Scholar 

  • Omer AM (2008). Energy, environment and sustainable development. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 12: 2265–2300.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orel B, Gunde M, Krainer A (1993). Radiative cooling efficiency of white pigmented paints. Solar Energy, 50: 477–482.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parker D, Sonne J, Sherwin J (1997). Demonstration of cooling savings of light colored roof surfacing in Florida commercial buildings: Retail strip mall. Florida Solar Energy Center Report FSEC-CR-964-97.

  • Parker DS, Barkaszi SF, Chandra S, Beal DJ (1995). Measured cooling energy savings from reflective roofing systems in Florida: Field and laboratory research results. In: Proceeding of the Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings, Florida, USA, pp. 105–115.

  • Parker DS, Huang YJ, Konopacki SJ, Gartland LM, Sherwin JR, Gu L (1998). Measured and simulated performance of reflective roofing systems in residential buildings. ASHRAE Transactions, 104(1): 963–975.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parker DS (2005). Theoretical evaluation of the NightCool nocturnal radiation cooling concept. US Department of Energy. FSEC-CR-1502-05.

  • Prieto A, Knaack U, Klein T, Auer T (2017). 25 Years of cooling research in office buildings: Review for the integration of cooling strategies into the building façade (1990–2014). Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 71: 89–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raeissi S, Taheri M (2000). Skytherm: An approach to year-round thermal energy sufficient houses. Renewable Energy, 19: 527–543.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raman AP, Anoma MA, Zhu L, Rephaeli E, Fan S (2014). Passive radiative cooling below ambient air temperature under direct sunlight. Nature, 515: 540–544.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rephaeli E, Raman A, Fan S (2013). Ultrabroadband photonic structures to achieve high-performance daytime radiative cooling. Nano Letters, 13: 1457–1461.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salmi W, Vanttola J, Elg M, Kuosa M, Lahdelma R (2017). Using waste heat of ship as energy source for an absorption refrigeration system. Applied Thermal Engineering, 115: 501–516.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sameti M, Kasaeian A (2015). Numerical simulation of combined solar passive heating and radiative cooling for a building. Building Simulation, 8: 239–253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Santamouris M, Synnefa A, Karlessi T (2011). Using advanced cool materials in the urban built environment to mitigate heat Islands and improve thermal comfort conditions. Solar Energy, 85: 3085–3102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seemann SW, Borbas EE, Knuteson RO, Stephenson GR, Huang H-L (2008). Development of a global infrared land surface emissivity database for application to clear sky sounding retrievals from multispectral satellite radiance measurements. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology, 47: 108–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharples S (1984). Full-scale measurements of convective energy losses from exterior building surfaces. Building and Environment, 19: 31–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • She X, Yin Y, Dong Y, Zhang X (2016). Investigation on air flow patterns of evaporative cooling and dehumidification process for a hybrid refrigeration system. Applied Thermal Engineering, 95: 79–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sicart JE, Hock R, Ribstein P, Chazarin JP (2010). Sky longwave radiation on tropical Andean glaciers: parameterization and sensitivity to atmospheric variables. Journal of Glaciology, 56: 854–860.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sodha MS, Singh U, Srivastava A, Tiwari GN (1981). Experimental validation of thermal model of open roof pond. Building and Environment, 16: 93–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spanaki A, Tsoutsos T, Kolokotsa D (2011). On the selection and design of the proper roof pond variant for passive cooling purposes. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 15: 3523–3533.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spanaki A, Kolokotsa D, Tsoutsos T, Zacharopoulos I (2012). Theoretical and experimental analysis of a novel low emissivity water pond in summer. Solar Energy, 86: 3331–3344.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spanaki A, Kolokotsa D, Tsoutsos T, Zacharopoulos I (2014). Assessing the passive cooling effect of the ventilated pond protected with a reflecting layer. Applied Energy, 123: 273–280.

    Google Scholar 

  • Staley DO, Jurica GM (1972). Effective atmospheric emissivity under clear skies. Journal of Applied Meteorology, 11: 349–356.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swinbank WC (1963). Long-wave radiation from clear skies. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, 89: 339–348.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang R, Etzion Y, Erell E (2003). Experimental studies on a novel roof pond configuration for the cooling of buildings. Renewable Energy, 28: 1513–1522.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang R, Etzion Y (2004a). Comparative studies on the water evaporation rate from a wetted surface and that from a free water surface. Building and Environment, 39: 77–86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang R, Etzion Y (2004b). On thermal performance of an improved roof pond for cooling buildings. Building and Environment, 39: 201–209.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang R, Etzion Y, Meir IA (2004). Estimates of clear night sky emissivity in the Negev Highlands, Israel. Energy Conversion and Management, 45: 1831–1843.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tazawa M, Jin P, Tai Y, Miki T, Yoshimura K, Tanemura S (1994). Computational design of SiO-based spectral selective radiating film. In: Proceedings of Optical Materials Technology for Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Conversion XIII, Freiburg, Germany, pp. 149–159.

  • Testa J, Krarti M (2017). A review of benefits and limitations of static and switchable cool roof systems. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 77: 451–460.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tevar JAF, Castaño S, Marijuán AG, Heras MR, Pistono J (2015). Modelling and experimental analysis of three radioconvective panels for night cooling. Energy and Buildings, 107: 37–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Torgerson E, Hellhake J (2020). Polymer solar filter for enabling direct daytime radiative cooling. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 206: 110319.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walton GN (1981). Passive solar extension of the building loads analysis and system thermodynamics (BLAST) program. United States Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory.

  • Walton GN (1983). Thermal analysis research program reference manual. National Bureau of Standards.

  • Wilcox S, William M (2008). User’s Manual TMY3 Data Sets, NREL/TP-581-43156.

  • Wu X, Fu C (2018). Radiative cooling by using a slab of hexagonal boron nitride. In: Proceedings of the 16th International Heat Transfer Conference, IHTC-16, Beijing, China, pp. 8263–8270.

  • Wu J, Zhang Y, Zhang K, Li P, Huang X, Niu X, Liu J (2018). Cooling and heating alternative building external shading. China Patent, CN201820864556.9, 2018-5-31. (in Chinese)

  • Yan C, Wang S, Shan K, Lu Y (2015). A simplified analytical model to evaluate the impact of radiant heat on building cooling load. Applied Thermal Engineering, 77: 30–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang L, Ma Y, Zhao B (2008). The experiments on radiation cooling of several compounds. Journal of Functional Materials, 39: 1138–1143. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuan J, Zhang K, Zhao D, Yin X, Yang R, Tan G (2018). Energy saving analysis of a metamaterial based radiative cooling system for low-rise residential buildings by integrating with radiant floor. In: Proceedings of the 3rd Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference (TFEC), Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA, pp. 1747–1750.

  • Zhai Y, Ma Y, David SN, Zhao D, Lou R, Tan G, Yang R, Yin X (2017). Scalable-manufactured randomized glass-polymer hybrid metamaterial for daytime radiative cooling. Science, 355: 1062–1066.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang S, Niu J (2012). Cooling performance of nocturnal radiative cooling combined with microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) slurry storage. Energy and Buildings, 54: 122–130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang K, Zhao D, Zhai Y, Yin X, Yang R, Tan G (2017). Modelling study of the low-pump-power demand constructal T-shaped pipe network for a large scale radiative cooled-cold storage system. Applied Thermal Engineering, 127: 1564–1573.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang K, Zhao D, Yin X, Yang R, Tan G (2018). Energy saving and economic analysis of a new hybrid radiative cooling system for single-family houses in the USA. Applied Energy, 224: 371–381.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao B, Hu M, Ao X, Pei G (2017a). Conceptual development of a building-integrated photovoltaic-radiative cooling system and preliminary performance analysis in Eastern China. Applied Energy, 205: 626–634.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao D, Martini CE, Jiang S, Ma Y, Zhai Y, Tan G, Yin X, Yang R (2017b). Development of a single-phase thermosiphon for cold collection and storage of radiative cooling. Applied Energy, 205: 1260–1269.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao B, Hu M, Ao X, Pei G (2018a). Performance analysis of enhanced radiative cooling of solar cells based on a commercial silicon photovoltaic module. Solar Energy, 176: 248–255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao B, Hu M, Ao X, Xuan Q, Pei G (2018b). Comprehensive photonic approach for diurnal photovoltaic and nocturnal radiative cooling. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 178: 266–272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao B, Hu M, Ao X, Chen N, Pei G (2019a). Radiative cooling: A review of fundamentals, materials, applications, and prospects. Applied Energy, 236: 489–513.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao B, Hu M, Ao X, Chen N, Xuan Q, Jiao D, Pei G (2019b). Performance analysis of a hybrid system combining photovoltaic and nighttime radiative cooling. Applied Energy, 252: 113432.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao B, Hu M, Ao X, Pei G (2019c). Performance evaluation of daytime radiative cooling under different clear sky conditions. Applied Thermal Engineering, 155: 660–666.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao D, Aili A, Zhai Y, Lu J, Kidd D, Tan G, Yin X, Yang R (2019d). Subambient cooling of water: Toward real-world applications of daytime radiative cooling. Joule, 3: 111–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao D, Aili A, Zhai Y, Xu S, Tan G, Yin X, Yang R (2019e). Radiative sky cooling: Fundamental principles, materials, and applications. Applied Physics Reviews, 6: 021306.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu L, Raman A, Wang KX, Anoma MA, Fan S (2014). Radiative cooling of solar cells. Optica, 1: 32–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu L, Raman AP, Fan S (2015). Radiative cooling of solar absorbers using a visibly transparent photonic crystal thermal blackbody. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112: 12282–12287.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu Y, Zhang K, Liu J, Niu X, Yuan X, Jin C, Wang T (2018). An integrated device for cooling, heating, and solar power generation. China Patent, CN201820273646.0, 2018-2-27. (in Chinese)

  • Zingre KT (2014). Building energy savings using high-albedo-high-emittance (cool) roof materials. PhD Thesis, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zingre KT, Wan MP, Tong S, Li H, Chang VWC, Wong SK, Thian Toh WB, Lee IYL (2015). Modeling of cool roof heat transfer in tropical climate. Renewable Energy, 75: 210–223.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work is supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51878342) and Jiangsu Provincial Department of Housing and Urban Rural Construction (No. 2018ZD067).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China

    Lufang Chen, Kai Zhang, Mingquan Ma, Saihong Tang, Fei Li & Xiaofeng Niu

Authors
  1. Lufang Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kai Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mingquan Ma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Saihong Tang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Fei Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Xiaofeng Niu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kai Zhang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Chen, L., Zhang, K., Ma, M. et al. Sub-ambient radiative cooling and its application in buildings. Build. Simul. 13, 1165–1189 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-020-0646-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-020-0646-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation