Featured in Nature Sustainability, the study led by UCLA introduces a new way to utilize radiant cooling without compromising safety or aesthetics. Unlike traditional dark and windowless cooling structures, this new design offers cooling at a distance without the need for conditioning unconfined air, making it ideal for urban environments where visibility is crucial.
As global warming intensifies, the frequency and severity of heatwaves pose a significant threat to individuals spending time outdoors. The team at UCLA has leveraged the concept of active radiant cooling, which utilizes surrounding surfaces to absorb heat and provide a cooling effect without the inefficiencies of traditional air conditioning.
One of the key challenges with radiant cooling structures is ensuring that the internal surfaces remain actively cooled, typically achieved through opaque panels. However, the UCLA researchers have devised a cost-effective and scalable design that overcomes these limitations, offering a practical solution to combat extreme heat in outdoor spaces.
“This low-cost and scalable design is a practical step beyond shade to help people who have to be outdoors on hot days, especially during periods of extreme heat,” explained study co-author Aaswath Raman, an associate professor at UCLA specializing in materials science and engineering.
The team’s innovative cooling structure, which combines infrared-reflective walls, radiative-cooling sheets, and hydronic radiant-cooling panels, was tested in field studies at the UCLA campus and the San Fernando Swap Meet. The results showed a significant reduction in mean radiant temperature compared to ambient air temperature, providing participants with a cooler and more comfortable outdoor experience.
This new approach to radiant cooling not only enhances thermal comfort but also addresses the need for accessible cooling solutions in urban areas where traditional air conditioning may not be feasible. By reimagining shade as essential infrastructure, cities can implement designs like the one developed by the UCLA team to improve outdoor comfort on hot days.
The study, published in Nature Sustainability, was led by doctoral student David Abraham from UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. The research offers a promising solution to mitigate the impact of extreme heat events and improve outdoor thermal comfort for individuals in urban environments.
