Kuuler - radiative gap cooling panels

Para qué sirve

Kuuler is advancing a novel, passive, radiation cooling technology. Our mission is to substantially reduce cooling costs through an innovative system suitable for both industrial applications and individual consumers.

Qué te inspiró

The inspiration came from a vacation in Southern Europe, where temperatures reached 40 degrees. The extreme heat highlighted the divide between those who could afford cooling and those who couldn't. After reading a scientific paper on heat radiation, I teamed up with Michał Kukulski and Agnieszka Biskup-Żbikowska, whom I met during an R&D project, to recreate the experiment. With successful results, we decided to further develop the idea. Later, Dr. Marta Michalska Domańska, a nanotechnology expert, joined our team.

Cómo funciona

Kuuler's technology leverages sunlight reflection in both the visible and infrared spectrum (7-10 µm). This infrared radiation passes through the air without heating it, enhancing heat dissipation and cooling the paint's surface below ambient temperature. This effect is achieved using BaSO4 molecules of the appropriate size. Below are the three key elements of the technology: PAINT: The paint exhibits higher total radiation emission than absorption, particularly in the atmospheric window spectrum. PAINT-COVERED PANEL: This lightweight structure, installed on rooftops, features a liquid inlet where the entering fluid's temperature is higher than the exiting fluid's under moderate or low sunlight. High sunlight exposure and insulation tests are planned for the next phase AIR CONDITIONER: The panel is connected to the cooling unit. The system utilizes the achieved coolness effectively, with an MVP effectiveness of 58 W/m² in the shade and 38 W/m² in full sunlight

Proceso de diseño

Initially, we worked just on paint samples to prove the concept of cooling paints. They have been around for a while since we started looking at the topic, and finding a suitable formula was easy. Tuning it was the first challenge which required a fair amount of tinkering. Because of a finished incubation stage, with our prototype paint, we built the first prototype (MVP 1.0) which was to show the principle of operation of such a panel. This panel wasn't neither perfect nor good! The materials that we chose were not reliable, the surface area was not sufficient and the method of bending the pipe - awful! However, that was not needed at this stage and allowed us to move further with the project. After the first funding was secured, by achieving 3rd place in the Huawei Startup Challenge, we started working on the second iteration of the prototype focusing on reliability and efficiency. Currently, we're creating CAD models for static mechanical, improved manufacturing as well as for cooling fluid's CFD simulations. We want to be sure that mechanically, the improvements will be substantial as they influence reliability the most. At the same time, we work on improving the formula and manufacturing process of the coating, which is the most important part for the device's efficiency.

Qué lo hace diferente

Radiation panel technology is still in its early stages of commercialization. While MIT and the startup Skycool work on similar technologies, Skycool has been inactive for years. Other competitors include AZ Technology in aerospace, I2Cool with remarkable test results, PPG in automotive, and 3M, each using cooling paints or films differently. Our technology stands out due to its unique compatibility with photovoltaic panels. Unlike other systems, our panels can be installed on the shaded side of the roof, opposite the photovoltaic panels. This dual installation maximizes roof space and efficiency. Furthermore, our technology is versatile, capable of complementing almost any existing cooling system and significantly reducing its energy consumption. This adaptability and energy efficiency make our solution uniquely advantageous in the market.

Planes para el futuro

We have validated a PoC prototype (TRL4) and plan further R&D on our barium-particle-infused paint, along with testing, piloting, LCA, and IP protection. Our roadmap includes refining paint formulations and testing insulations like Reflectix and aluminium. Durability tests in climate chambers will guide adjustments for a significant pilot installation (min. 40m2 roof). In 5 years, we aim to commercialize our solution, offering licenses and sales shares to OEMs and ODMs. Our technology, extending to industrial systems and eco-friendly paints, is set to transform global cooling sustainability.

Premios

We joined an EU-funded incubator, receiving services and a grant to build and test an MVP. We won a spot in the Kozminski Academy and Żabka Group incubation program and secured 3rd place in the Huawei Startup Challenge, using the prize to build MVP 2.0. Recently, we reached the ING grant program finals.