Polysiloxane Radiative Cooling Paints for the Decarbonisation of Cooling in the Built and Transport Environments (PolyCool)

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Cooling of indoor spaces is a fundamental means to attain peoples' Good Health and Well Being, yet is one of the most energy intensive and highly polluting processes associated with human activity. The statistics are staggering; air-conditioners (AC) and electric fans account for ~20% of the total electricity consumed in buildings around the world today and contribute over 1.2 GT of CO2 emissions per year. Likewise, AC may be responsible for 40% of an electric vehicle's battery usage on a hot day. To combat climate change and accelerate the transition towards carbon neutral economies, paramount targets of EU's Green Deal, energy efficient and sustainable indoor space and vehicle cooling technologies are imminently required.PolyCool's overarching objective is to develop zero-energy input, zero-emissions (during usage) radiative cooling coatings/paints, which also combine cost efficacy and low-maintenance for commercial, industrial and residential buildings. With proper modifications, the technology will also be able to be deployed in the automotive and more broadly in the transportation industry as well. The proposed technology is leveraging the infinite heat capacity of the cold Universe, converting it in essence into an inexhaustible heatsink for the thermal radiation emitted by the built environment and vehicles on Earth. Crucially, it is completely passive and does not require electric pumps, fans or coolers to operate. PolyCool coatings will be able to provide a cooling power of >100 W/m2, able to cover at minimum 30% of a typical residency's cooling needs. The key objectives of this project are; i) Develop a large -scale prototype (>20 cm x 20 cm). ii) Perform extensive testing of the prototype in the field, in various geographical locations and under various climatic conditions. iii) Consolidate a strong intellectual property position and, iv) develop a commercialisation roadmap to translate PolyCool technology from the lab benchtop to the market.