Monodraught boosts its expertise in phase-change materials
Monodraught has boosted its expertise in the application of phase-change materials with the acquisition of Artica Technologies. Founded in 2008 by five students, Artica develops intelligent systems for the energy-efficient cooling of buildings.
These young entrepreneurs were supported by Design London’s business incubator, a collaboration between Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art. The incubator provides a dynamic environment for developing high-growth business ventures that combine creative design with technological innovation.
Artica is aiming to revolutionise traditional cooling technologies and has already won a host of awards, including CNBC’s Good Entrepreneur Competition, HSBC Start-up Stars, Most Innovative Low Carbon Project and the Feel the Planet Earth Award.
The Artica system is based on thermal energy storage using phase-changing materials to enable cooled outside air to be brought in at night to cool buildings the following day. Monodraught’s technical director Nick Hopper explains, ‘Artica gives us greater access to the knowledge and technologies involved in cooling and heating with phase-changing materials. Artica will be integrated into the Monodraught business, and our combined competencies will be able to offer highly efficient ventilation solutions to clients, consultants and architects.’
