To address concerns of global warming, scientists in Seattle have proposed the construction of ‘Giant Radiators’ that would act like mammoth size heat-sinks, radiating out unwanted heat into space.
A conventional radiator uses convection, conduction and radiation to sink its thermal energy to the surrounding environment, whereas the new structures would rely solely upon radiation.
“The design is as efficient as we can make it. Still there are intrinsic inefficiencies that are physically impossible to overcome. Nevertheless, these can operate day and night, constantly absorbing ambient thermal energy and radiating it into space, reducing the overall temperature of the globe. Over time, we’re confident this would combat global warming,” says Doctor Pike, a member of the team that put together the proposal, “It’s not dissimilar to what astronauts use to maintain the temperature of their suits, only on a much, much larger scale.”
Since the net motion of energy is out into space, away from Earth, the overall temperature of the Earth will reduce. “The current simulations point to a 0.7 degree drop in average global temperature over a five year period,” says Dr Pike, “Physical trials may prove otherwise, of course, still it’s an exciting prospect.”
Chester Press 