Every year we repeat the phrase that this has been the year less hot in the coming yearssince it is one of the consequences of climate change. One of the “traditional” ways that we have to refresh in our homes is with an air conditioning system, but poses an economic problem, because the invoices are not paid alone. However, a new Navarro study has managed to find a solution to refrigerate buildings with hardly any energy expenditure.
Short. A research team, Formed by Amaia Zuazua Ros from the University of Navarra and Cristina Salazar Castro of the Luredera Technology Center, has developed a project to cool buildings without the need for air conditioning.
Under the financing of the Government of Navarra and within the framework of the Navarro R&D System (SINAI)and with the coordination of Aditechthe proposal has sought to boost new passive cooling technologies through modules coated with nanomaterials, designed to eliminate heat from buildings without resorting to electrical systems.
The challenge is not less. In the last 30 years, the energy consumption for the cooling of a home is It has tripled. These data, detailed in the International Energy Agency, have highlighted the impact on global electrical demand. For this reason, reducing this consumption without compromising thermal comfort is one of the great challenges of energy efficiency today.
The operation. The system is much simpler than it seems. To explain it more easily, the researchers have identified a material that allows to cool the surface of the building, even when exposed to the sun. On the other hand, they have designed a structure to eliminate accumulated heat and thus improve air circulation on the facade by vertical dissipating modules. In addition, they have developed a system to easily adapt to different types of construction.
The possibilities. Since the investigation they have detailed that the implementation of these modules in residential and commercial buildings would mean a reduction in energy consumption aimed at refreshing the environment. In addition, in cities with the large amount of solar panels that are being installed and The urban heat island effectthis new system will help mitigate high temperatures from these factors.
However, the researchers, who are optimistic, have explained the challenges they have to overcome and how they should observe the long -term application. However, they have added that this technology represents a step forward in the fight against climate change and the design of more sustainable cities.
Any other alternative? In the search for sustainable solutions for refrigeration without energy consumption, researchers from different parts of the world are betting on different approaches. An interesting example comes from Indiawhere a system based on recycled clay has been developed. Inspired by botijo technology, this system uses clay cylinders to reduce the ambient temperature by up to 15ºC by evaporation of water, without the need for air conditioning.