Thermal rectifiers: Physical mechanisms and potential applications in buildings

Abstract

Improving the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing carbon dioxide emissions is an urgent priority to achieve carbon neutrality goals. Thermal rectifiers are unique asymmetric heat transfer devices that are crucial for numerous energy systems. This study conducted a detailed and comprehensive review of thermal rectifiers. The working principles, advantages, and applications of various thermal rectifiers were described. Key findings indicated that integrated thermal rectifiers not only meet the thermal management requirements of the system, but also play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption. In addition, based on the proven effectiveness of thermal rectifiers in energy systems, this study confirmed that incorporating thermal rectifiers into different building components could reduce building energy consumption and improve thermal comfort. The findings demonstrated that energy consumption could be reduced by at least 15 %, and thermal comfort could be improved by nearly 50 %. This study explored the potential of promoting high-performance thermal rectifiers for building applications, thereby providing new insights for engineering practice.