Joint Development of Thermal Solutions by SPACECOOL and KANBO PRAS with Membrane Materials Utilizing “SPACECOOL” Radiative Sky Cooling Material
We would like to announce that SPACECOOL INC. (CEO: Takayuki Hoshuyama) and KANBO PRAS CORPORATION (President: Shinji Nakamura) have begun joint development of thermal solutions with membrane materials that utilize the “SPACECOOL” radiative sky cooling material.
This radiative sky cooling(*1) material dissipates heat into space in direct sunlight, enabling it to lower its temperature more than the ambient temperature without using energy. In a demonstration test conducted by the material’s developer Osaka Gas in the summer of 2020, the surface temperature of the material was confirmed to be up to approximately 6°C(*2) lower than the ambient temperature in direct sunlight. Thus, it achieved a level of radiative sky cooling performance that was among the highest in the world(*3).
So far, SPACECOOL and KANBO PRAS have carried out technology verification of membrane materials utilizing this material. Based on the results of this verification, our two companies have agreed to begin joint development of the following:
1) Joint development of membrane materials using this material
2) Joint development of products made from these membrane materials
SPACECOOL will utilize the fruits of this joint development to explore the use of these membrane materials in applications for which mitigation of hot environments is desired, such as membrane structures, storage tents, medical tents, and truck bed covers. By doing so, we will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, heat stroke prevention, and keeping perishable food cool without electricity.
In addition, SPACECOOL will exhibit commercial materials that utilize this material at the “7th HEAL SOLUTION TOKYO” held from Wednesday June 23 through Friday June 25, 2021.
*1: A phenomenon by which heat is carried away from heated objects as electromagnetic waves (light)
*2: Measured at Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. Energy Technology Laboratories in Osaka’s Konohana Ward (Ambient temperature at time of measurement: Approx. 35°C) Temperature measured on the reverse-side of a steel plate covered with radiative sky cooling material.
*3: Based on research conducted by our company and Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. using published research papers.
1. Our radiative sky cooling material "SPACECOOL"
We have already developed two types of products: film and canvas.
2. Summary of experiment and results
Measured at Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. Energy Technology Laboratories in Osaka’s Konohana Ward (Ambient temperature at noon August 16, 2020: Approx. 35°C) Test comparing tents using SPACECOOL (silver and white) against regular tents. We confirmed a difference of about -10°C in apparent temperature inside the tents.
3. Company Overview
SPACECOOL INC. is an open innovation joint venture between WiL, LLC and Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. We develop and sell “SPACECOOL”, a radiative sky cooling material to ameliorate hot environments.
| Head office | 4F ARCH, Toranomon Hills Business Tower, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
|---|---|
| Representative | Takayuki Hoshuyama, CEO |
| Established | April 1, 2021 |
| Shareholder distribution | WiL 51%, Osaka Gas 49% |
| Business overview | Sales and consulting related to energy conservation; sales and consulting for products intended to improve the environment. |
| Vision | Bring coolness in the shade of trees to the world |
| Head Office | Sakaisuji Honmachi Building 8th floor, 1-8-14 Minamihonmachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan |
|---|---|
| Representative | Shinji Nakamura |
| Established | March 24, 1939 |
| Business overview | 1. Manufacture and sales of canvas by combining fibers and plastics (resins) 2. Sales of products designed, engineered, and sewn from canvas 3. First-class architects' office: Design and construction of buildings and structures |
