Origami microfluidics for radiant cooling with small temperature differences in buildings. (1st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grinham, Jonathan; Craig, Salmaan; Ingber, Donald E.; Bechthold, Martin
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 277(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11-01
• Subjects: Radiant cooling -- Thermally activated surfaces and building structures -- Heat exchange -- Vascular materials -- Microfluidics -- Origami; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.115610
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: A novel radiant cooling technology is described. The technology consists of a foldable surface with integrated microfluidics. The thermal performance is characterized as a function of the surface folding angle. Experiments confirm increased rates of heat transfer and cooling. The technology may help reduce the lifecycle emissions of HVAC installations. Abstract: Design and fabrication methods translated from microfluidics, microelectromechanical systems, origami, and biologically inspired engineering may offer efficiency improvements for water-based thermoregulation in buildings. This paper introduces foldable radiant cooling devices that are fabricated by lamination with integrated microfluidic water-circuits. These devices produce more surface convection because of their geometry and because they have more surface area than flat panels. As a result, lukewarm water instead of chilled water may be sufficient for cooling a room, leading to potential savings in primary energy use and lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. Analytical models and physical experiments show a 55–67% improvement in thermal performance when comparing these novel folded surfaces to flat surfaces, mainly due to the improved convection heat transfer.