All Images


News Release 06-104

Self-Cooling Soda Bottles?

Researchers work to shrink technology that harnesses sun's energy to both heat and cool

This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

A schematic representation of the miniaturization of the active building envelope (ABE) system.

A schematic representation of the active building envelope (ABE) system highlights the change from the full-size prototype to the smaller, next-generation system.

Credit: RPI, Steven Van Dessel


Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (496 KB)

Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.

A working prototype of the original ABE system is located on the roof of RPI's Student Union.

A working prototype of the original active building envelope (ABE) system is located on the roof of Rensselaer's Student Union building.

Credit: RPI, Steven Van Dessel


Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (68 KB)

Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.

Active Building Envelope system

The Active Building Envelope system takes incoming solar radiation and converts the solar energy into electricity to power solid-state, thermoelectric heat pumps. The thin-film technology, still in developmental stages, can both heat and cool an enclosure.

Credit: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute