Switchable radiative cooling technologies for smart thermal management

Abstract

Radiative cooling technologies promise to reduce building energy consumption and create thermal comfort for human beings in the hot season. However, the persistent thermal radiation of cooling materials in cold times exacerbates the heating cost and personal thermal discomfort for passive applications. In response to this practically important challenge, switchable radiative cooling technologies have been proposed, opening an avenue for dynamically cooling or heating objects as the ambient temperature changes. According to the approaches of external stimuli, we categorize the present switchable radiative cooling technologies into actively and passively adaptive systems. Then, we review recent research progress on such intelligent strategies for building applications and personal thermal management, especially emphasizing their respective working mechanisms. Finally, we identify current challenges and future opportunities for developing advanced and multifunctional smart radiative cooling technologies.