"Energy-Efficient Adaptive Roof Tile Reduces Heating and Cooling Costs Naturally"
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed an adaptive roofing tile that can reduce heating and cooling costs in buildings without the need for electronics. The tile uses a wax motor to change surface properties based on temperature, switching between a heating state and a cooling state to maintain a target temperature of about 65°F. Testing has shown significant energy savings, with a reduction in energy consumption for cooling by 3.1x and heating by 2.6x compared to non-switching devices. The device operates without electronics, batteries, or external power sources, and its design allows for customization and potential mass manufacture, offering a promising solution for improving energy efficiency in buildings.