Cooling Moments in Air Conditioning Technology

The History of Air Conditioning Technology Includes A Host of Cooling Moments

Throughout the history of air conditioning technology, “cooling moments” have typically expanded into daily benefits enjoyed by both industrial and residential customers. Let’s hope the new processes defined as Hydroceramic Walls being developed by Catalonia Barcelona expands into another energy-saving cooling technology.

Face it: this nation relies on the power and efficiency of HVAC technology. Keeping up with the demand for increased A/C performance generates a major burden on the environment and the economy. Anytime advancements in cooling technology can boost comfort and production at a reduced cost, society reaps a new blessing.

Herein are the details on new entry into the hall of fame for “cooling moments” in Air Conditioning technology.

Cooling Moments – When Hydroceramic Walls Sweat Like Human Skin

It comes from the minds of researchers at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia Barcelona, and according to the students it effectively lowers room temperatures by as much as five degrees Celsius. By taking advantage of the properties associated with evaporating water, the material basically “sweats” away heat. In concept, buildings crafted with hydroceramic walls can effectively remain cooler than a standard building without need of amplified air conditioning technology.

In the order of “cooling moments,” several other methods of passive cooling exist. However, the efficiency of hydroceramic walls may stand out as a modern age wonder for simplicity, effectiveness, and efficiency from a material that features a “cheap” overhead.

Hydroceramic Material – Reduced Energy Consumption

So what defines this breakthrough in “cooling moments” for HVAC technology? According to students at Barcelona, applied hydroceramic material can effectively reduce energy consumption by twenty-eight percent over the design of standard building materials. Furthermore, construction of hydrogels is inexpensive and as simple as sandwiching the materials between ceramic and fabric. The resulting membrane-wall absorbs moisture and then sheds it in a manner similar to how human skin sweats. Thus rather than the occupants of a building sweating, the building itself does the sweating.

The process is really quiet simple: As the material absorbs moisture, the individual hydrogels expand – as much 400 percent. Cooling occurs when evaporation causes the hydrogels to release the water. Thus the polymers shrink, the neighboring area cools down, and the process is ready to begin anew. You might say that it is a process that involves an endless series of “cooling moments.”

IAAC, the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia

Defined as a center for cutting edge research and education, the IAAC dedicates time, money and training to the development of architecture designs that can effectively meet worldwide challenges for better and more efficient habitability. Although based out of the 22nd district of Barcelona, the IAAC touches the educational services within over 40 countries. Core focus includes building designs, manufacturing functions, ecology, new technologies, energy consumption and reduction, and much more. IAAC research projects expand into a global front, including projects in Brazil, Croatia, and the US.

Will the power of hydroceramic walls actually go down in the history of exciting “cooling moments” in air conditioning technology? Only time will tell. The prototype is still in testing. In theory, the hotter the outdoor wind, the more efficient the system will function. But keep in mind that performance is directly related to evaporation. Thus when evaporation is absent, the cooling effect is also absent.

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