Thin-film Technology, Researchers work to shrink technology

Every day, the sun bathes the planet in energy–free of charge–yet few systems can take advantage of that source for both heating and cooling. Now, researchers are making progress on a thin-film technology that adheres both solar cells and heat pumps onto surfaces, ultimately turning walls, windows, and maybe even soda bottles into climate control systems.

Van Dessel hopes a thin-film version of the ABE system will see uses in a range of industries, from aerospace–in advanced thermal control systems in future space missions–to the automotive industry, where it could be applied to windshields and sun roofs, giving them the ability to heat or cool a car’s interior. “It also may be possible to one day use the ABE system to create packaging materials for thermal control,” he added, “which could lead to things like self-cooling soda bottles.”

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