zlacker

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1. 0x53+(OP)[view] [source] 2026-02-03 22:10:48
Look into radiative cooling. Basically this, but more practical. Several companies working on it: https://www.skycoolsystems.com/
replies(2): >>grim_i+D7 >>morshu+no
2. grim_i+D7[view] [source] 2026-02-03 22:50:29
>>0x53+(OP)
I don't quite believe this.

Is it really better than just using solar panels to run a heat pump?

replies(1): >>pidge+Lo
3. morshu+no[view] [source] 2026-02-04 00:25:42
>>0x53+(OP)
This looks like it depends on the outside air to cool the coolant. "Radiative" can mean that too, not just IR radiation.
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4. pidge+Lo[view] [source] [discussion] 2026-02-04 00:28:22
>>grim_i+D7
> Our core innovation is a radiative cooling material that we’ve combined with a panel system to improve the efficiency of any vapor-compression based cooling system

A heat pump is a “ vapor-compression based cooling system” so that tech is an addition-to not an instead-of.

Whether it’s better probably depends on how expensive the additional efficiency is in practice.

> SkyCool’s Panels save 2x – 3x as much energy as a solar panel generates given the same area.

So if you’re area constrained maybe.

replies(1): >>grim_i+7w1
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5. grim_i+7w1[view] [source] [discussion] 2026-02-04 10:08:15
>>pidge+Lo
That's very hard to believe. Radiative cooling is really bad compared to any kind of fan in front of aluminum fins.

Air itself is an isolator, there is a reason you need to shove in fresh air to take on more energy from the heat source.

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