GEMs

The Gel-based Evaporative-cooling Membranes (GEMs) are lightweight adaptive membranes that allow for actuation of ventilative flaps with small hydro-pump sending water to embedded hydrogels.  As warm airflow passes through the openings and across the saturated gels, evaporation is induced and a cooling effect is carried to interior space.  Microbore tubing links between the hydro-pump and the gel sacks.  Initial membranes are being tested in the environmental test chamber for psychrometric data and cooling effects on interior space.

Collaborators

Nikki Hernandez