Posted on 07/11/2006 3:21:09 PM PDT by LibWhacker
Researchers work to shrink technology that harnesses sun's energy to both heat and cool
Every day, the sun bathes the planet in energy--free of charge--yet few systems can take advantage of that source for both heating and cooling. Now, researchers are making progress on a thin-film technology that adheres both solar cells and heat pumps onto surfaces, ultimately turning walls, windows, and maybe even soda bottles into climate control systems.
On July 12, 2006, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) researcher Steven Van Dessel and his colleagues will announce their most recent progress--including a computer model to help them simulate the climate within their test structure atop the RPI Student Union--at the Solar 2006 Conference in Denver, Colo.
For 4 years, the researchers have been working on their prototype Active Building Envelope (ABE) system. Comprised of solar panels, solid-state, thermoelectric heat pumps and a storage device to provide energy on rainy days (literally), the ABE system accomplishes the jobs of both cooling and heating, yet operates silently with no moving parts. NSF is supporting the team to determine if a microscale version of the technology will function effectively.
According to Van Dessel, thin-film advances could potentially lead to functional thermal coatings composed of transparent ABE systems. Such systems might vastly improve the efficiency of temperature-control systems.
"The ease of application would make it possible to seamlessly attach the system to various building surfaces," he added, "possibly rendering conventional air conditioning and heating equipment obsolete."
Van Dessel hopes a thin-film version of the ABE system will see uses in a range of industries, from aerospace--in advanced thermal control systems in future space missions--to the automotive industry, where it could be applied to windshields and sun roofs, giving them the ability to heat or cool a car's interior.
"It also may be possible to one day use the ABE system to create packaging materials for thermal control," he added, "which could lead to things like self-cooling soda bottles."
Video killed the radio star.
Like that perpetual motion machine that guy from Arkansas had
Hehehe, ..... hey... Sometimes?
he took the last train to Clarksville.
Next up, the self-microwaving cheeseburger!
Living, as I do, in the land of perpetual sunshine (aka Colorado), I can see where here would be a great place to test this product. Sounds like something that would appeal to Coors, too.
LOL! You have him down pat! I miss a lot of the old whackos -- Willie G., f.christian, TLBSHOW (multiple times), even the recently departed clawrence3.
You're solving the problem with a musical instrument? < Laz, I look up to you for so much... but you can't even spell Voila.
An earlier idea that has been shown to work is PAHS, passive annual heat storage. Basically you insulate a large part of the ground near your house, then pump heat out of the ground during winter, or into the ground during summer (thus cooling your house).
"A stringed instrument slightly larger than a violin. Problem solved."
Sorry....(heh, heh!)
Yup.
My wife would complain that it was too humid or something.
This techology might "work" but, like so many others, will be too expensive.
WG was a great poster, but he got banned because he was making stupid comments about Bush, talking about his alcoholism.
Better go at night, I hear it's a bit cooler then!
My PG&E bill was about $14 last month.
I have that solar power system that so many FReepers insist can't possibly work, or ever make economic sense...
I miss/// f.Christian, and //his comments/// too
Think of it - a self-cooling beer can that throws itself into the back of your pickup truck when empty. It just don't git no better 'n' that.
They're already available. And everyone I know who's tried them says they don't work.
My PG&E bill was about $14 last month.I have that solar power system that so many FReepers insist can't possibly work, or ever make economic sense...
I'm glad it seems to work for you. But, how much did it cost to install the solar power system? Did you get rebates? At what point will you break even?
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