Passive radiative cooling materials integrated in renewable energy technologies for enhanced performance

Abstract

Radiative cooling involves decreasing the temperature of a body by emitting infrared radiation. When the heat loss from the emitting surface exceeds the heat gain. e.g. from the sun or the atmosphere, a passive net cooling effect occurs without the need for electricity or other power sources. Integrating radiative cooling materials with other renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaics and thermoelectric generators represents a promising frontier in sustainable energy systems. In this study, we explore the strategic utilization of the net cooling effect resulting from radiative cooling materials to enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic panels and thermoelectric generators, as both are susceptible to performance degradation with temperature. Our investigation focuses on the integration of these materials with photovoltaic cells and thermoelectric generators, addressing critical challenges including thermal management, efficiency optimization, and operational stability.