– DGIST, KAIST, and Korea University have partnered to create a three-dimensional device that can both heat and cool reversibly, utilizing thermal radiation — The research has been highlighted as a cover article in Advanced Materials.
A team led by Professor Bonghoon Kim at DGIST’s Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering has designed a “3D Smart Energy Device” that offers both heating and cooling functions. This project was a collaboration with Professor Bongjae Lee from KAIST’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Professor Heon Lee from Korea University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Their groundbreaking device was acknowledged for its quality and utility by being chosen as the cover story for the esteemed international journal Advanced Materials.
Heating and cooling processes account for around 50% of worldwide energy use, significantly impacting environmental issues like global warming and air pollution. Consequently, devices that utilize solar absorption and radiative cooling are gaining traction as environmentally friendly and sustainable options, tapping into natural heat and cold sources. Although many such devices exist, most are designed primarily for either heating or cooling, and larger systems often lack flexibility.
To overcome these challenges, Prof. Kim and his team developed the “3D Smart Energy Device,” which combines both heating and cooling features within a single unit. The device operates using a distinctive principle: when the 3D structure unfolds through a mechanical peeling action, a lower layer made of silicone elastomer and silver comes into play, enabling radiative cooling. Conversely, when the structure closes, a black-painted surface captures solar heat, resulting in heating.
The researchers examined the device across various materials, including skin, glass, steel, aluminum, copper, and polyimide, showing that by changing the angle of the 3D structure, they could effectively control its heating and cooling capabilities. This control over thermal properties presents a viable and effective strategy for minimizing energy use in buildings and electronic devices, both on larger and smaller scales.
“We are thrilled that our work has been chosen as the cover article for such a highly regarded journal,” stated Professor Bonghoon Kim. “We hope to see these innovations implemented in industrial and building applications to aid in energy reduction.”
This research received support from the “Global Bioconvergence Interfacing Leading Research Center (ERC)” and the “Nano and Materials Technology Development Project” by the National Research Foundation of Korea. The findings were published in Advanced Materials, where they appeared on the cover.
