Abstract: A radiative cooling apparatus including a layer of a material. The layer defines an exterior face. The material has a composition such that the layer is configured to reflect, at the exterior face, at least partly of the incoming electromagnetic radiation of at least some wavelengths in the solar spectrum. The layer is further configured to emit thermally-generated electromagnetic emission of at least some mid-infrared wavelengths out from the exterior face. Ceramics provided by embodiments of the invention could produce extra cooling effect without any electricity consumption, creating a prominent benefit to the energy saving of air conditioning systems of buildings.

Abstract: A radiative cooling apparatus including a layer of a material. The layer defines an exterior face. The material has a composition such that the layer is configured to reflect, at the exterior face, at least partly of the incoming electromagnetic radiation of at least some wavelengths in the solar spectrum. The layer is further configured to emit thermally-generated electromagnetic emission of at least some mid-infrared wavelengths out from the exterior face. Ceramics provided by embodiments of the invention could produce extra cooling effect without any electricity consumption, creating a prominent benefit to the energy saving of air conditioning systems of buildings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated system of moisture removal, air purification, and air ventilation of the process air while some of the energy and resources required for operation of the system are self-sustained, or in some aspects the present system is self-regenerated such as heating and cooling of air and water exchanged among various elements/modules/members within the system or between the system and the surroundings, such that it becomes an all-time and all-round air dehumidifier, purifier and ventilator. Related method for removing air moisture from the surroundings using the present system is also provided.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a substrate body having a mesoporous structure defined by a network of interconnected fibers; and a thermochromic material including a hydrogel complex filling the mesoporous network, the hydrogel complex including a first polymer being a thermoresponsive hydrogel; wherein the thermochromic material undergoes an increase or a decrease of transparency in response to an external temperature exceeding or falling below a critical transition temperature of the thermochromic material, thereby changing an overall transparency of the composite material. A method of preparing the composite material of some embodiments of the present invention. Use of the composite material of some of the embodiments of the present invention for forming an article. Also a window unit including the composite material of some of the embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated system of moisture removal, air purification, and air ventilation of the process air while some of the energy and resources required for operation of the system are self-sustained, or in some aspects the present system is self-regenerated such as heating and cooling of air and water exchanged among various elements/modules/members within the system or between the system and the surroundings, such that it becomes an all-time and all-round air dehumidifier, purifier and ventilator. Related method for removing air moisture from the surroundings using the present system is also provided.

Abstract: A passive thermal diode (10), comprising: a heat source (12); a heat sink (14); a thermal coupling element (16) removably coupled to the heat source (12) and the heat sink (14); a lever (18), the lever (18) connected to the thermal coupling element (16) via a pivot point (19); and at least one spring (20) connected to the lever (18), the spring (20) comprised of a shape memory alloy, wherein the lever (18) transmits a force to displace the thermal coupling element (16) when the force is produced by the spring (20) on the lever (18).

Abstract: A passive thermal diode (10), comprising: a heat source (12); a heat sink (14); a thermal coupling element (16) removably coupled to the heat source (12) and the heat sink (14); a lever (18), the lever (18) connected to the thermal coupling element (16) via a pivot point (19); and at least one spring (20) connected to the lever (18), the spring (20) comprised of a shape memory alloy, wherein the lever (18) transmits a force to displace the thermal coupling element (16) when the force is produced by the spring (20) on the lever (18).

Abstract: Provided is a composite adsorbent material and a method for preparing the same. The composite adsorbent material comprises a porous host material of activated carbon impregnated with silica-gel and calcium chloride, and is useful for adsorbing high levels of water vapor. The composite adsorbent material is used in low temperature heat driven adsorption cooling and dehumidification systems.

Abstract: Provided is a composite adsorbent material and a method for preparing the same. The composite adsorbent material comprises a porous host material of activated carbon impregnated with silica-gel and calcium chloride, and is useful for adsorbing high levels of water vapor. The composite adsorbent material is used in low temperature heat driven adsorption cooling and dehumidification systems.