Passive cooling article (120) includes a plurality of first elements (122) defining a high absorbance in the atmospheric window wavelength range and defining high average reflectance in the solar wavelength range and a plurality of second elements (124) defining a low absorbance in the atmospheric window wavelength range and defining high average reflectance in the solar wavelength range, wherein the plurality of first (122) and second (124) elements are interspersed to form a major structure having a first major surface (130) comprising the first element outer surfaces (126) and the second element outer surfaces (128), wherein the first element outer surfaces (126) face a first direction toward a first end region (136) of the major structure (130) and the second element outer surfaces (128) face a second direction toward a second end region (136) of the major structure. The article (120) may be applied to a substrate (104), for example, on a generally vertical surface of a vehicle or stationary structure.

A double skin façade (DSF) for a building is disclosed. The DSF has a first façade, a second façade, and a gap extending therebetween. Movement of air is driven in an upward direction toward an upper end of the DSF, causing movement of air contaminants from a lower end of the DSF to the upper end of the DSF, and thereby enhancing the air quality of the street canyon by removing air contaminants from a street level adjacent the building. Also disclosed is a building having a DSF, and a method of enhancing air quality in a street canyon by constructing a DSF on a building.

A supply and/or cooling system contains a supply tube or a supply channel for receiving a liquid and/or a gas, which is coupled to a liquid supply device and/or a gas supply and/or gas suction system and has at least one liquid and/or gas discharge opening in a tube, and a channel base or casing region. A strand-shaped ingredient carrier and/or cooling strand is suspended on the supply tube or the supply channel and/or the supply tube or supply channel coupled to the gas supply and/or a gas suction system is suspended below the at least one ingredient carrier and/or cooling strand. The ingredient carrier contains and/or carries at least one ingredient and the ingredient carrier and/or cooling strand can be supplied with the liquid and/or the gas via the liquid and/or gas discharge opening. The supply tube or the supply channel is vertically moveable.

A double skin façade (DSF) for a building is disclosed. The DSF has a first façade, a second façade, and a gap extending therebetween. Movement of air is driven in an upward direction toward an upper end of the DSF, causing movement of air contaminants from a lower end of the DSF to the upper end of the DSF, and thereby enhancing the air quality of the street canyon by removing air contaminants from a street level adjacent the building. Also disclosed is a building having a DSF, and a method of enhancing air quality in a street canyon by constructing a DSF on a building.

A method of controlling moisture reaching a building façade may include providing a weather resistant building shield, the shield including first and second subchannels. The building shield may be disposed parallel to an inner façade and separated from the inner façade by an air gap. The method may include causing input air to flow through the first subchannel at an input air flow rate and causing exhaust air to flow through the second subchannel at an exhaust air flow rate. Controlling at least one of the input and exhaust air flow rates may provide control over moisture content in the gap.

A structure comprises at least one outer wall having an internal wall section and an outer wall section with an air flow passage therebetween. A circulation system circulates air through the flow passage to inhibit moisture accumulation and mold growth. A sensing system determines the presence of moisture in the flow passage and generates a signal in response thereto. A controller receives the signal from the sensing system and controls the circulation system to maintain a predetermined temperature and relative humidity in the flow passage.

An improved solar heater and ventilator device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the solar heater and ventilator system is a multi-functional device that can be used in a variety of ways to provide heat, produce and store electricity, and provide natural ventilation. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of a main frame, multiple columns of interconnected movable cubes and a distributor panel. Through the interconnected movable cubes, the solar heater and ventilator system can easily switch functionalities between a solar heater and a ventilator and cooling system. The device is easy and inexpensive to operate, as it does not require any external electricity, and its functionalities can be changed with simple touches of buttons

The present invention relates to a thermal shell for a building, apt to constitute a multi-layer system formed by three integral elements having, respectively, from the outside towards the inside: an external peripheral wall/casing with the function of thermal insulating wall; an interspace filled with air to be conditioned; an internal wall/casing with the function of heat-radiating wall/casing; comprising: a covering structure (10) positioned around the building (1), or part of said building (1), the covering structure (10) comprising, proceeding from the outside towards the inside of the building (1): a coating (11), an insulating layer (16) and an interspace (12); the interspace (12) containing air and forming a closed and isolated room with respect to the surrounding environment; means (13) of thermal conditioning of the air contained in the interspace, so that the shell defines an internal wall/casing.

A system passively cools, regulates humidity and/or rectifies diffusive transport of water vapor in an interior area within a structure. The system includes a membrane assembly covering a portion of the structure, wherein the membrane has an interior side facing the interior area and an exterior side. The membrane assembly defines a plurality of pores. When cooling, a supply of fluid is provided to the membrane assembly so that capillary action of the pores redistributes the fluid to create evaporation and, in turn, the desired heat flow. The membrane assembly can include an architectural membrane coated with a porous matrix coating to form the pores. A pump can provide the fluid to the interior side of the membrane assembly. Preferably, the architectural membrane is woven PTFE-coated fiberglass and the porous matrix coating is titanium dioxide, zeolites and/or silica gel.

A structure comprises at least one outer wall having an internal wall section and an outer wall section with an air flow passage therebetween. A circulation system circulates air through the flow passage to inhibit moisture accumulation and mold growth. A sensing system determines the presence of moisture in the flow passage and generates a signal in response thereto. A controller receives the signal from the sensing system and controls the circulation system to maintain a predetermined temperature and relative humidity in the flow passage.