Radiant air-conditioning with infrared transparent polyethylene aerogel

Abstract Air-conditioning in buildings is energy intensive and takes up large proportion of global energy consumption. To pursue low energy expenditure, herein, we propose a radiant air-conditioning strategy with infrared transparent and low thermal conductive porous polyethylene aerogels. The aerogel allows direct heat exchange between the cooling panel and human body via radiation and avoids cooling the entire space. Compared with traditional space air conditioning, a 6-mm polyethylene aerogel–assisted radiant air-conditioning saves the electricity by 31% under the same cooling and ambient temperature. Moreover, high solar reflectance and low thermal conductivity of the porous polyethylene hold great promise of the strategy in working outdoors. Our calculation demonstrates two-thirds of energy saving compared with direct space cooling in a typical summer day in Wuhan. These results show great potential of the cooling method in building cooling both in closed spaces and open conditions.