Offset global warming with the Earth Cooler/spl trade/

The Earth Cooler/spl trade/ has been developed to transmit thermal energy from the surface of the earth into deep space. The available energy can be utilized to produce electric power and/or radiate the excess energy created by modern conveniences away from the surface of the earth, in essence combatting thermal pollution, part of the phenomenon known as "global warming". The Earth Cooler/spl trade/ radiator has been designed to transmit electromagnetic energy in the infrared range for spectral bands (or windows) that naturally occur in the atmosphere and are essentially transparent to the traveling energy. Upwards of 140W/m/sup 2/ can be transmitted unattenuated through the atmosphere into deep space utilizing a simple panel at 290 K. A one-dimensional model is used to predict the temperature difference that exists between two sections of a uniquely designed panel surface that radiates thermal energy into space. The model includes all the meteorological parameters necessary to provide meaningful information for electromagnetic waves propagating through the atmosphere, and shows that a temperature difference of up to 4/spl deg/C can be produced depending on the moisture content of the surrounding air. The theoretical performance of the model coincides well with data collected from several prototypes. The paper discusses many of the technical issues involved with the propagation of infrared thermal energy through the atmosphere. The presentation of the physical laws of nature that govern the phenomenon provides a better understanding to those on both sides of the global warming issue.