Reconfigurable, zero-energy, and wide-temperature loss-assisted thermal nonreciprocal metamaterials

TL;DR

This paper introduces a reconfigurable, zero-energy thermal nonreciprocal metamaterial system that uses natural convection and adjustable parameters to control heat flow asymmetrically over a wide temperature range, without extra energy input.

Contribution

It presents a novel framework utilizing natural heat loss for reconfigurable, wide-temperature, zero-energy thermal nonreciprocity through natural convection and adjustable structural parameters.

Findings

Achieves asymmetric heat conduction via natural convection.

Enables reconfiguration by modifying slab parameters.

Operates across broad temperature spectrum without additional energy.

Abstract

Thermal nonreciprocity plays a vital role in chip heat dissipation, energy-saving design, and high-temperature hyperthermia, typically realized through the use of advanced metamaterials with nonlinear, advective, spatiotemporal, or gradient properties. However, challenges such as fixed structural designs with limited adjustability, high energy consumption, and a narrow operational temperature range remain prevalent. Here, a systematic framework is introduced to achieve reconfigurable, zero-energy, and wide-temperature thermal nonreciprocity by transforming wasteful heat loss into a valuable regulatory tool. Vertical slabs composed of natural bulk materials enable asymmetric heat loss through natural convection, disrupting the inversion symmetry of thermal conduction. The reconfigurability of this system stems from the ability to modify heat loss by adjusting thermal conductivity, size, placement, and quantity of the slabs. Moreover, this structure allows for precise control of zero-energy thermal nonreciprocity across a broad temperature spectrum, utilizing solely environmental temperature gradients without additional energy consumption. This research presents a different approach to achieving nonreciprocity, broadening the potential for nonreciprocal devices such as thermal diodes and topological edge states, and inspiring further exploration of nonreciprocity in other loss-based systems.