Adaptive rooftop coating for energy-saving with solar and thermal regulation
This innovative rooftop coating features a dual regulation system for solar and thermal radiation, using a carbon layer and PNIPAM hydrogel to maximize energy savings. It adapts to temperature changes, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing heating and cooling costs.
Overview
The adaptive rooftop coating is an advanced material designed to enhance energy efficiency by regulating solar and thermal radiation. This innovative solution utilizes a dual-layer system comprising a carbon solar regulatory layer and a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel layer. The PNIPAM hydrogel acts as a thermal-responsive optical switchable radiator, adapting to temperature changes to optimize energy savings. Below 32°C, the hydrogel remains transparent, allowing solar energy absorption. Above 32°C, it becomes white, scattering solar radiation and increasing thermal emittance and evaporative cooling. This switchable mechanism can achieve significant energy savings of approximately 500 MJ/m²/year.
Technical specifications
- Dual-layer system: Combines carbon-based materials for high solar absorption and PNIPAM hydrogel for thermally responsive behavior.
- Temperature adaptive: Below 32°C, the PNIPAM layer is transparent; above 32°C, it turns white to enhance solar scattering and thermal emittance.
- Energy savings: Potential to achieve ~500 MJ/m²/year, outperforming existing technologies that achieve 300 MJ/m²/year.
- Durability: Hydrogel regenerates in cold conditions by absorbing ambient water, ensuring cyclic durability and prolonged effectiveness.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in a relevant environment. The future plan involves preparing materials, conducting individual membrane validations, and field testing, with the aim to optimize and document the system for potential large-scale deployment.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a comprehensive private research university in upstate New York, pairing fundamental inquiry with applied, industry-facing work. Industry engagement is anchored by a downtown innovation campus with co-located university–industry labs, pilot-scale testbeds, and flexible prototyping spaces. A centralized corporate partnerships office and experiential learning pipelines link R&D teams to faculty and student talent through sponsored research, internships, and capstone collaborations. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense. A dedicated technology transfer office and campus-linked incubators streamline IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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