Passive cooling system can store heat and coolth
Monodraught’s Cool-phase passive cooling system uses a phase-change material (PCM) to control the temperature in a room. When the room temperature is high, the PCM changes phase so as to absorb heat. When the room temperature is cool, the PCM changes phase to release heat. A cool-phase module has a thermal mass equivalent to 9 t of concrete.
Cool-phase units are designed to be mounted on the floor against an outside wall. They are controlled by Monodraught’s INVent system. Indoor temperature, CO2 level and external air temperature are monitored every minute. Fresh air is brought in if internal temperature or CO2 thresholds are exceed.
In summer, the room is cooled overnight using external air, and the phase of the PCM is changed to provide cooling during the day.
In winter, units operate in heat-recovery mode to recirculate the warmth of the building through the PCM.
Monodraught is looking for companies to join the Cool-phase evaluation programme.