Solid State Air Conditioning

Yet another Fast Company award went to a company for development of a sustainable cooling system that can replace environmentally damaging compressor-based air conditioning systems. The new product platform, known as OACIS, pulls heat from the air using semiconductors, and can be used for outdoor as well as indoor applications.

The system makes use of a phenomenon called the Peltier Effect (a thermoelectric effect). When a current is applied to a semiconductor, a temperature gradient occurs at the junction between the two conductor materials. The heat can be pushed in one direction, leaving the other side cooler, and this effect can be magnified by employing many semiconductor chips. A bladeless fan circulates the cool air to reduce temperature and humidity in the surrounding environment. Also known as solid state cooling, the technology requires no refrigerants and can control the degree of cooling more precisely than traditional systems.

The company has successfully completed a three-month outdoor pilot test in Singapore at a variety of locations including a waterpark, an outdoor restaurant, and a parking garage. Even in direct heat and high humidity, OACIS performed well, making the city more livable for residents and business owners.