This groundbreaking 3D device promises to reduce global energy consumption

A groundbreaking new energy device developed by South Korea’s Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) promises to transform the energy efficiency of heating and cooling systems worldwide. The innovative ‘3D Smart Energy Device’, designed by Professor Bonghoon Kim from DGIST’s Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, provides both heating and cooling functions in one device, offering a potential solution for energy-intensive sectors such as building temperature control and electronic cooling.

This dual function device is designed to work using a unique mechanism. When opened, the device’s bottom layer, made of silicone elastomer and silver, is exposed to provide radiant cooling. When closed, it reveals a black painted surface that absorbs solar heat to warm up. This design allows for significant control over heating and cooling, which the team has shown can be adjusted based on different substrates, including skin, glass, steel and copper. This adaptable approach allows the device to handle temperature needs across multiple surfaces and settings, ultimately reducing the energy required to maintain the environment at optimal temperatures.

A collaboration of leading researchers

Professor Kim led the project together with Professor Bongjae Lee from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KAIST and Professor Heon Lee from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Korea University. Their combined efforts earned the device significant recognition, with the research featured as the cover article of the renowned journal Advanced Materials.
Heating and cooling account for almost half of the world’s energy consumption, affecting both air quality and climate change.

Traditional methods of controlling temperature, such as solar collectors or cooling equipment, often serve only one function: heating or cooling. DGIST’s new device marks a departure from this limitation and enables reversible functions that adapt to changing temperature requirements while utilizing natural solar energy and radiant cooling, which could be crucial for energy-intensive industries.

Industrial applications for a sustainable future

Professor Kim expressed his team’s vision to use the device in industrial and construction applications to help reduce global energy consumption. The innovation was funded by the Global Bioconvergence Interfacing Leading Research Center (ERC) and the Korean National Research Foundation.

This research represents a crucial step forward for smart, sustainable energy solutions, with the aim of making the future of heating and cooling more efficient and environmentally friendly.