Recent advances in the development of radiative sky cooling inspired from solar thermal harvesting

Abstract

Radiative sky cooling (RSC) technology dissipates the terrestrial heat to the extremely cold outer space, without any energy input and any pollutant produced. It has the potential to simultaneously alleviate the two challenges of energy crisis and global warming. In this review, we look for the inspirations from the relatively mature solar thermal harvesting (STH) technology to solve the challenges in the RSC field. We firstly summarize the comparability and similarity of the two technologies from five levels: principles, materials and structures, devices, systems, and applications. Subsequently, the valuable inspirations or strategies from the STH technology are proposed to advance the development and application of the RSC technology. Finally, we discuss the application of the RSC technology to solve the challenges of water shortage and night lighting in remote areas, aim to broaden the application scope of this technology. In this review, we systematically compare and discuss the radiative sky cooling (RSC) and solar thermal harvesting (STH) technologies, including fundamental principles, spectral profiles, materials and structures, devices, systems, and applications. The comparability and similarity of the two technologies are summarized. Subsequently, we summarize the valuable inspirations or strategies from the STH technology to promote the rapid development and application of the RSC technology. And the RSC and STH technologies are like ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’ in China, indicating the comparability and similarity. • The development history of the RSC and STH technologies is summarized. • The comparability and similarity of the two technologies are discussed in detail. • The valuable inspirations from the STH technology are summarized. • Further promising applications are discussed to broaden the application scope.