Photographed by Hou Junwei
As cities around the world experience the growing impacts of climate change, the need for energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions is becoming more important than ever. i2Cool, a Hong Kong-based startup, has developed an innovative cooling technology inspired by the Sahara silver ant, which could change the way we cool buildings.
The co-founders of i2Cool, Ir Prof. Edwin Chi-Yan TSO, Prof. Martin Y. ZHU, and Ir Prof. Christopher Chao, met at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU). Their shared interest in engineering and research brought them together to form the company, which is now developing technology to cool buildings in an eco-friendly way.
The co-founders of i2cool, Dr. Martin ZHU (left), and Dr. Edwin Chi-Yan TSO (right). Image Credits: i2Cool
Phoebe Chan, International Business Development Assistant Manager at i2Cool, shared, “We were inspired by how the Sahara silver ant reflects sunlight and dissipates heat. We wanted to apply this idea to buildings to help solve the problem of excessive heat in cities.”
Their solution, passive radiative cooling technology, uses coatings, paints, films, and textiles with special nanoparticles that reflect over 95% of solar energy and emit heat in the form of mid-infrared radiation, which escapes into the atmosphere. This allows buildings to cool down without relying on electricity or refrigerants, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional air conditioning systems.
They are also in the process of developing a textile B2C platform, which is still in the preparation stage and has not yet been officially launched.
The Technology Behind i2Cool
The key to i2Cool's innovation lies in their special coatings and films. These materials help reflect sunlight and release heat in a way that cools buildings passively. According to Rachel Heung, Business Development Director at i2Cool, this cooling method works all day and night.
“Our technology doesn’t need any energy-intensive systems,” Rachel Heung explained. “It works 24/7 to keep temperatures down without using electricity or refrigerants. However the cooling effect ceases when the surface temperature reaches 25°C. This ensures there is no over-cooling during colder weather conditions.”
i2Cool offers several products designed to provide passive cooling for buildings, vehicles, and textiles:
- i2Coating: A paint for roofs, walls, and facades that cools by reflecting sunlight and emitting heat.
- i2Film: A transparent film for windows that blocks infrared and UV radiation while letting visible light through.
- i2Ceramic: Cooling ceramics for use on floors and building exteriors, especially in cities facing heat island effects.
- i2Textile: Cooling fabrics for use in clothing, uniforms, and accessories, offering comfort in hot climates.
Image Credits: i2cool
These products are already being used in several projects, including government buildings in Hong Kong, commercial rooftops in Dubai, and the Dubai Mall.
One of i2Cool's most significant projects was at the Hong Kong Coliseum, a well-known venue for concerts and events. This project involved coating the entire roof with i2Cool’s cooling technology.
The Hong Kong Coliseum's rooftop and side walls have been coated with i2Cool's cooling paint. Image Credits: i2cool
“The temperature dropped by about 13°C, which was a great result,” Phoebe Chan said. “This project was done in the winter, but our materials perform even better in hot, dry climates, so we expect even better results in the summer.”
i2Cool Broadens Reach by Entering the Consumer Market
i2Cool initially focused on B2B sales, working with property developers and government projects. However, the company is now expanding into the B2C market. They are developing an online platform where consumers can purchase cooling textiles like clothing, uniforms, and accessories.
“We want to make our technology available to everyone, not just businesses,” Phoebe Chan explained. “Our cooling fabrics can be used by anyone in hot climates or by companies looking for energy-efficient solutions.”
i2Cool’s Expansion into Southeast Asia and the Middle East
i2Cool is also looking to grow in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where hot climates create a strong need for cooling solutions. Their main focus is Singapore, a market where high temperatures and energy consumption make it an ideal place for their products. Looking forward, they are focused on scaling their technology and expanding into new markets.
“We see a lot of potential in these markets, where cooling is a big issue,” Rachel Heung added. “Our products offer a more sustainable solution to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.”
At the heart of i2Cool’s mission is the company’s slogan: "Go green, stay cool." This reflects their commitment to providing environmentally friendly cooling solutions.
Phoebe Chan and Rachel Heung both know that convincing people to move away from traditional air conditioning will take time. “People are used to what they know,” Phoebe said. “But we believe that once they see how effective our products are, they will switch.”
“Our goal is to help cool the world, not just buildings,” Rachel Heung concluded. “We want to provide a solution that can make a real difference in the fight against climate change.”
This article was originally published on Meet Global. Read the original article.
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