Space heating and cooling in many cases accounts for a portion (particularly due to the impact of the energy crisis) on utility costs. Specialists from China and Germany from the universities of Nanjing and Göttingen have developed a new material – wood foam, which can to some extent replace extremely energy-intensive air conditioners, keeping the house warm in winter and cool in summer.
The material is a foamed wood insulator that reflects sunlight well. For example, in the summer, he “sends” excess heat to the crop. The unique material is based on cellulose nanocrystals, which allow reflecting up to 96% of light density and emitting up to 92% of absorbed infrared radiation.
To test the cooling properties of the material, they placed it in an insulated aluminum foil box and placed it in direct sunlight at noon. As a result, the temperature inside the box turned out to be lower than outside by 9.2, and at the maximum – 4 humid.
If all buildings (except for the roof) are covered with wood-foam, then, according to gas calculations, electricity consumption for heating / cooling will be reduced by about 35%.
In the process of changing the properties of wood foam, it is felt that as it burns, its cooling properties are less specific. However, this drawback can also become worthy of the kits – Thanks to its PR THE materials.
Source: Tech Cult
