How can radiative cooling coating efficiently reduce high-temperature energy loss in photovoltaic energy storage power stations?
Publish Time: 2025-11-07
Driven by the "dual carbon" goal, photovoltaic energy storage power stations, as a core component of the clean energy system, directly impact the economic efficiency and stability of energy output through their operational efficiency and equipment lifespan. However, critical equipment such as inverters, battery cabinets, and combiner boxes in these power stations are constantly exposed to high outdoor temperatures and strong sunlight, making them highly susceptible to performance degradation, shortened lifespan, and even thermal runaway risks due to heat accumulation. Traditional air-cooling or air conditioning methods are not only energy-intensive but also increase maintenance complexity. Against this backdrop, radiative cooling coating, with its passive, zero-energy, and highly efficient cooling advantages, is becoming an innovative solution for improving the thermal management capabilities of photovoltaic energy storage systems.1. Passive Radiation Cooling: Significant Temperature Control Achieved Without Passive InputThe core principle of radiative cooling coating lies in its unique optical properties—high reflectivity in the solar spectrum, effectively blocking over 90% of solar radiation heat; and high emissivity in the atmospheric transparency window band, allowing heat from the equipment surface to be directly dissipated into outer space in the form of infrared radiation. This "daytime cooling" effect requires no electricity and can achieve a surface temperature 5–10°C lower than the ambient temperature even under direct sunlight. Real-world application data shows that the surface temperature of metal cabinets coated with this layer can be reduced by up to 30°C compared to untreated areas, and the operating temperature of internal equipment drops by 6–7°C, significantly mitigating the negative impact of high temperatures on the chemical stability of lithium batteries and the reliability of electronic components.2. Multi-layer Composite Structure: Protection and Function IntegratedThis coating typically consists of a two-layer system: an anti-corrosion primer and a functional cooling topcoat. The primer is rich in rust-inhibiting pigments and adhesion promoters, firmly bonding to steel, aluminum, or galvanized steel substrates, effectively isolating moisture and corrosive media to prevent cabinet rust. The topcoat integrates micron/nano-scale ceramic particles, silica aerogel, or polymer-based radiation fillers, synergistically achieving high reflectivity, high emissivity, and hydrophobic self-cleaning functions. This multi-layer design not only ensures long-term service stability but also endows the coating with excellent mechanical strength and resistance to UV aging.3. Self-cleaning and Weather Resistance: Reduced Operation and Maintenance CostsThe coating surface has superhydrophobic properties, allowing rainwater to easily carry away dust, bird droppings, or salt spray deposits, achieving a "lotus effect" of self-cleaning. This is especially important in deserts, coastal areas, or industrially polluted regions, preventing dirt buildup from weakening radiation performance. Simultaneously, its excellent weather resistance ensures that performance degradation is less than 5% per year under extreme temperature variations (-40℃ to +80℃), strong ultraviolet radiation, and acid rain conditions, with a service life of over 10 years, significantly reducing the frequency of manual cleaning and maintenance.4. Convenient Construction and Wide Compatibility with Various FacilitiesRadiative cooling coating supports conventional spraying or roller application without special equipment, allowing for flexible application during power plant construction or later retrofitting. Its strong adhesion makes it suitable for various substrates such as inverter housings, battery containers, distribution cabinets, brackets, and even roofs, enabling upgraded thermal management for the entire plant. More importantly, as a zero-energy technology, it does not increase the additional power burden; instead, it indirectly improves the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic modules and extends the cycle life of energy storage batteries by reducing equipment temperature rise.In summary, radiative cooling coating achieves "heat dissipation to space" through a physical mechanism, constructing a green, intelligent, and long-lasting thermal protection barrier in photovoltaic energy storage power stations. It is not only a breakthrough in materials science but also a key enabling technology for achieving efficient, safe, and low-carbon operation of power stations. With technological maturity and cost optimization, this "breathable cooling skin" will undoubtedly inject strong momentum into the sustainable development of global new energy infrastructure.
