Thermal rectification in a bilayer wall: coupled radiation and conduction heat transfer

Abstract

Thermal rectification can occur when heat is transferred asymmetrically. We consider in this work, the case of a composite wall with one conductive and radiative layer. Both Rosseland and surface radiation approximations are used for taking into account radiative transfer. Analytical expressions for the rectification factor are given. It is shown that this factor is bounded by a maximum value of around 2.62.