Temperature-dependent dual-mode thermal management device with net zero energy for year-round energy saving

Reducing needs for heating and cooling from fossil energy is one of the biggest challenges, which demand accounts for almost half of global energy consumption, consequently resulting in complicated climatic and environmental issues. Herein, we demonstrate a high-performance, intelligently auto switched and zero-energy dual-mode radiative thermal management device. By perceiving temperature to spontaneously modulate electromagnetic characteristics itself, the device achieves similar to 859.8 W m(-2) of average heating power (similar to 91% of solar-thermal conversion efficiency) in cold and similar to 126.0 W m(-2) of average cooling power in hot, without any external energy consumption during the whole process. Such a scalable, cost-effective device could realize two-way temperature control around comfortable temperature zone of human living. A practical demonstration shows that the temperature fluctuation is reduced by similar to 21 K, compared with copper plate. Numerical prediction indicates that this real zero-energy dual-mode thermal management device has a huge potential for year-round energy saving around the world and provides a feasible solution to realize the goal of Net Zero Carbon 2050.

Automated summary

This research demonstrates a high-performance, intelligently auto-switched, and zero-energy dual-mode radiative thermal management device. It achieves efficient heating and cooling without any external energy consumption. The device reduces temperature fluctuations and has the potential for significant energy saving, providing a feasible solution for achieving the goal of net-zero carbon emissions.