Abstract: Devices having multiple layers of paint for enhanced thermal performance. Individual paint-layers have specific properties within specific wavelength-ranges. An exemplary device includes an emissive outer layer that has a high emissivity in a first wavelength-range to increase thermal radiation and a high transmittance in a second wavelength-range to reduce solar gain. Underneath the emissive outer layer is a color matching layer that has a high transmittance in the second wavelength-range and absorbs at least some visible light. Underneath the color matching layer is a reflective sublayer that has a high reflectivity in the second wavelength-range. EM radiation within the second wavelength-range passes through the emissive outer layer and color matching layer before being reflected by the reflective sublayer back into the atmosphere. Thus, solar gain is reduced due to the solar energy within the second wavelength range being reflected off of the device—rather than absorbed as thermal energy.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein relate to exploiting photovoltaic effects to improve the thermal management capabilities for wearable electronic devices. In an exemplary embodiment, a wearable electronic device includes photovoltaic cells disposed over a housing assembly that encloses heat-emitting electronic components. The photovoltaic cells block solar radiation from reaching an exterior surface of the housing assembly—thereby reducing the solar gain thereof. Electrical energy that is generated by the photovoltaic cells is utilized in some manner that is determined to be currently appropriate based on various current-state factors of the wearable electronic device.