Sustainable solution for cooling application

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The indirect evaporative coolers (IEC) can play a crucial role in decarbonizing the air-conditioning sector. They eliminate the major component such as compressor and chemical refrigerant which makes IECs an attractive technology for future cooling supplies.Conventional IECs are based on operational strategy of maintaining thin water layer inside the system using complex hydrophilic membrane to maximize the water evaporative potential. This water- hydrophilic membrane interaction inside the system causes several issues including; complex manufacturing and operation, mold formation, high maintenance cost and short equipment life. It also need extensive detergent pumping for membrane cleaning \[1\]. These limitations are the major barriers in commercialization of the conventional IECs.At the Northumbria University under Northern Accelerator PoC grant, we have developed a game-changing novel indirect evaporative cooler (NIEC) which eliminate all the limitations of conventional IECs, save 65% energy and removes the need for global warming potential chemical refrigerants used in conventional AC units.The proposed NIEC design is based on simple heat exchanger integrated with humidifier which used to humidify the working air outside the system before introducing into working channel. This simple manufacturing and operation of NIEC makes it most suitable for future cooling supplies as evidenced during ICURe conversations. The NIEC technology is most applicable in areas where comfortable environment is important for human or machine performance such as household, data centers, construction sites and commercial buildings. This plug & play system can be installed at any location to provide set conditions for comfort level.There is an excellent mix of technical and commercial experience and the team have gelled during the ICURe journey, proving the dynamics work under partnership agreement in place. We plan to enter into domestic and non-domestic market in parallel, targeting initially the UK, through agreed partnership with manufacturer and distributors. We have early mover advantage as low capital and operational cost which will benefit our customers.It will have social (reduce days off in the workforce and deaths), commercial (international export), regional (support EDI, provide jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities to level up the North-East), economic (stimulate relevant industries) and environmental (reduce carbon emission by local production and efficient operation) impact and benefits to UK. Additionally, it will support Clean Growth Industrial Challenge by supporting the development, manufacture and use of low-carbon technologies and contribute to achieve global sustainability and UK net zero 2050 goals.\[1\]Energy217(2021)19352