SWEAT: Solar-induced Water Evaporation Adaptive Technology

The SWEAT modules are conceived as miniature greenhouse boxes with embedded hydrogels that release moisture to the indoor air as they heat up. The modules are linked together with a microbore-tubing water distribution line to re-saturate the gels for continuous cycling. When the hydrogels are saturated, heat capacitance of the water reduces heat gain to the interior spaces - but the material is more transparent when saturated so natural daylighting becomes enhanced. As the gels release their water to an evaporative-cooling process, the modules become more opaque to maintain a reduction of heat-gain to the interiors.

Collaborator: Di Le