Bionics in textiles: flexible and translucent thermal insulations for solar thermal applications

Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci. 2009 May 13;367(1894):1749-58. doi: 10.1098/rsta.2009.0019.

Abstract

Solar thermal collectors used at present consist of rigid and heavy materials, which are the reasons for their immobility. Based on the solar function of polar bear fur and skin, new collector systems are in development, which are flexible and mobile. The developed transparent heat insulation material consists of a spacer textile based on translucent polymer fibres coated with transparent silicone rubber. For incident light of the visible spectrum the system is translucent, but impermeable for ultraviolet radiation. Owing to its structure it shows a reduced heat loss by convection. Heat loss by the emission of long-wave radiation can be prevented by a suitable low-emission coating. Suitable treatment of the silicone surface protects it against soiling. In combination with further insulation materials and flow systems, complete flexible solar collector systems are in development.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomimetics
  • Bionics*
  • Body Temperature Regulation
  • Equipment Design
  • Hair
  • Hot Temperature
  • Materials Testing
  • Optics and Photonics
  • Polymers
  • Silicones / chemistry*
  • Solar Energy
  • Sunlight
  • Textiles*
  • Ursidae

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Silicones