Infrared-transparent bubble wrap assisted high-intensity radiant cooling

Covering the radiant cooling surface with infrared-transparent membrane effectively improves the condensation resistance and cooling capacity of radiant cooling. However, the air layer structure formed by the infrared-transparent and double-layer hollow membranes is easy to destroy, resulting in condensation problems. Inspired by the hollow structure of natural bamboo, an infrared-transparent bubble wrap assisted radiant cooling panel (BWRCP) aiming at improving the strength and cooling capacity was proposed by using the infrared-transparent bubble wrap consisting of infrared-transparent membrane and air-filled pores to layer the radiant cooling panel. Both experimental investigation and numerical calculation of the cooling capacity of the infrared-transparent bubble wrap assisted radiant cooling system were carried out. Experimental results showed that the cooling capacity of BWRCP at condensation-free condition was 93.54 W/m², which was 33% higher than traditional radiant cooling without covering infrared-transparent bubble wrap. Numerical results showed that the air-contact surface temperature of the infrared-transparent bubble wrap was higher than the dew point temperature. It provides condensation-free operation in the thermal environment of 26 °C and 45%–80% RH. Therefore, compared with traditional radiant cooling, BWRCP significantly improves the cooling capacity at condensation-free condition. It demonstrated a novel structure design and operation guidance for the high-performance radiant cooling technology. (Figure presented.) © Tsinghua University Press 2024.