Cool Box is our solution for providing a sustainable cooling system, to be installed in any kind of building or even mines. It is particularly advantageous in cities, because it helps reduce the heat island effect. This is because the heat produced at the end of the cooling process is stored in a water tank, instead of being released in the air.
Cool box consists in a number of cooling modules (depending on the quantity of cooling requested) providing cool air. Installation is extremely simple and safe since there are no electrical, or water connections to be made. The modules can be mounted on a roof or the wall of a building, or even in the open air.
In the continental climates, the usage model for cooling systems changes during the seasons so that:
- In Summer the modules supply cooling and hot water for bathing and washing;
- In Spring and Autumn hot water is provided;
- In Winter hot water is provided as well as a supplement - to central heating.
Our product is particularly advantageous where mains gas is not available, and electricity is used for space heating.
Electricity is 2 to 4 time more expensive way to heat water and buildings than gas. As electricity prices increase and gas becomes scarcer and more taxed for emissions, then this difference will increase.
Other examples have emerged, and three typical ones will be illustrated below.
Very low electrical energy is required.
Running costs are very low.
It’s long lasting & has very low maintenance.
It is modular, so it adapts to different requirements.
Use cases 01 - Mine cooling
Mine cooling is a constant requirement around the world to provide the world with the minerals that are needed for modern living.
In sun-belt countries, surface air is too hot to provide meaningful cooling. Powerful cooling systems are needed to chill surface air, which can be ducted down to improve the working conditions underground. The amount of power required is significant and mines can have their own power stations to provide that power.
Cool box uses the sun’s heat to power the chillers. This is particularly advantageous in two ways. When the sun is at it’s hottest it can provide the most heat and the cool box system can provide the most cooling. The use of solar heat to power the chiller will reduce energy costs by orders of magnitude.
Use cases 02
Where grid electricity is absent, unreliable, expensive, or there is no mains gas to power domestic hot water.
In Mediterranean rim countries, Summer, Spring and Autumn are typically warm or hot. However, Winter can be cold.
Our system, providing both cooling and hot water, is very attractive in this scenario. Especially islands, where electricity is typically generated using expensive and polluting diesel generators. Cyprus’s current domestic electricity price is 21.7c per kWh, one of the most expensive in Europe.
Use cases 03
High-value zero-carbon housing is a growing market in the USA and Europe, but also beyond.
Our system “will be a valuable addition to architects and house builders designing zero-carbon housing for this niche market” — Envirobat (the organisation that specifies standards for housing in the Mediterranean rim).
Our demonstrator module in the USA will provide us with a base to target this market.
