FREECOOL+ - Adapting Passive Ventilation and Zero-Energy Cooling for Sub-Saharan Africa

FREECOOL+ is an innovative, passive air-cooling system that can combat the issue of thermal heat and energy access in Kenya. It is based on state-of-the-art technology solutions developed by UK SME Free Running Buildings Ltd (FRB), for markets in the Far East. This will be adapted to provide a lower-cost, efficient, zero-energy alternative to mechanically ventilated air conditioning systems. FREECOOL+ is housed within a roof-mounted wind tower, using heat pipes and a cold sink to continually cool incoming air to provide fresh air supply and cool environments by up to 15 degrees Celsius. The project, led by FRB, will be supported by world-leading experts from the Building Environment Group at the University of Hull, humanitarian aid organisations and energy consultancy and social enterprise firms that operate within Kenya. The technology will be trialled within refugee camps in Kenya, validated on-grid and off-grid and progressed to TRL8/9\.

The resulting impact entails far-reaching social, economic, health and environmental benefits. In the short term this will include delivering heightened thermal comfort and optimum air quality in schools, healthcare facilities and office complexes in Kenya's refugee camps. This will have particular advantages, in terms of equality and social progression, for school children and also impact vulnerable groups that are most effected by thermal heat and poorly ventilated conditions (associated with the spread of pulmonary diseases and heat stroke). In the medium term, it is expected that uptake of the commercialised product will extend to Kenya's dominantly rural population and penetrate the hospitality and tourism industry. This will realise significant cost-savings for end users, in comparison to mechanically powered systems, and generate profit for manufacturing businesses and supply chains in Kenya. Longer term, the development and commercialisation of a disruptive new technology will be a catalyst for further investment and economic prosperity in Kenya and enable corporate expansion for FRB, reaping financial returns for the UK Economy. Moreover, the uptake of passive technology and development of this market in Sub-Saharan Africa, reduces CO2 emissions and aligns with Kenya's commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030\.