Water-filled ceramic cubes combat urban heat islands

A research team at Graz University of Technology in Austria is developing an innovative solution to mitigate the effects of rising summer temperatures in cities: water-filled ceramic cubes designed to combat urban heat islands.

The technology leverages a unique internal structure within the ceramic cubes, based on the principle of "Triple Periodic Minimal Surfaces." This design maximizes surface area for water evaporation within a small volume, approximately 40-centimeter sides. The porous nature of the ceramic, achieved through low-temperature firing, allows water to be absorbed and wicked to the surface via capillary action, where it evaporates and cools the surrounding air.

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The geometry is based on the principle of Triple Periodic Minimal Surfaces. This means that with a small volume – our cubes have side lengths of about 40 centimeters – there is a large surface area over which the water can evaporate and cool the surroundings.

Future iterations plan to incorporate wood chips and fungal cultures into the clay mixture. These additions aim to create a finer network of micropores, potentially enhancing the cooling efficiency. Early tests conducted in a university building's attic, known for extreme summer heat, demonstrated a temperature drop of nearly seven degrees Celsius after placing a cube, suggesting a noticeable reduction in perceived heat and an increase in humidity.

Researchers are optimistic about the system's potential, with staff at Graz University of Technology already expressing interest in using the cubes for their offices. The technology promises a sustainable and low-energy alternative to conventional cooling methods like sprinklers and fans, offering a promising approach to making urban environments more comfortable during increasingly hot summers.

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Tests under controlled conditions prove effective air-water interactions, which lead to a noticeable reduction in air temperature and increased humidity.