KIT's hybrid solar-cooling prototype achieves key technical metrics

KIT developed a hybrid photovoltaic-radiative cooling system prototype with measurable cooling and power output

KIT developed a hybrid photovoltaic-radiative cooling system prototype that achieves 6.5°C cooling below ambient temperature and 60.6 W/m² electrical power density. The system uses silicon dioxide coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer to emit infrared radiation through the atmospheric window. While the source states a potential 110.8°C heat output and 10-15% reduction in building cooling energy demand if scaled beyond prototype, these figures remain conditional on scaling beyond the prototype stage. The system demonstrates simultaneous electricity generation, heating, and cooling from a single surface, but current performance metrics do not quantify actual energy savings in real-world buildings. This technology could address cooling energy demand in hot climates if scaled, though the exact impact requires further validation through larger-scale testing.

Source: pv magazine