Climate change influences in the determination of the maximum power potential of radiative cooling. Evolution and seasonal study in Europe.

In the recent years, radiative cooling has emerged as a promising technology for space cooling applications. Nevertheless, radiative cooling phenomenon is dependent on weather conditions and it presents some performance limitations, meaning that the cooling capacity is limited in some climates. The radiative cooling potential is the maximum theoretical limit that can be achieved. In this study we analyse the evolution of the radiative cooling potential in Europe under the context of climate change. Radiative cooling potential maps for the period 2020–2050 are provided. The results reveal that radiative cooling potential remains constant for this period, evidencing a resilience of this technology during the following decades. We also provide a seasonal study of the potential by regions. Summer, when cooling needs are higher, is the season with the least nocturnal energy potential and the second with the highest nocturnal power potential. Shifting to all-day radiative cooling, the energy potential increases by 1.64 in winter; 2.97 in spring; 4.03 in summer and 2.2 in autumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]