Energy-efficient graphene-based membrane cooling systems

Lead Proponent

Evercloak Inc.

Project Background

Evercloak’s project focused on demonstrating the breakthrough energy-savings potential of its graphene oxide membranes in building cooling applications. To this end, Evercloak optimized its dehumidification membranes and built a bench-scale unit for testing in simulated and real-world environments. Their objective was to use the bench scale performance data to support a feasibility study and to attract additional strategic partnerships, such as with HVAC companies, to commercialize their technology.

Results

Evercloak achieved remarkable success by surpassing all predetermined performance objectives. These accomplishments included enhancing the performance of Evercloak's graphene membrane, finalizing the design of a modular membrane dehumidification cartridge, optimizing the cost-efficiency of Evercloak's graphene-based membrane without compromising its performance, and advancing the strategic aspects of business planning and development. These achievements underscore Evercloak's commitment to innovation and sustainable growth in the membrane technology sector.

Over the span of 36 months, Evercloak grew its team and invested in the development of its personnel by providing training for 23 highly qualified personnel (HQP) from academic disciplines such as mechanical and chemical engineering, chemistry, and business. This reflects Evercloak's ongoing efforts to build a skilled and capable team to support its objectives.

Benefits to Canada

Evercloak uses a first of its kind technology while training the next generation of Canada's clean technology workforce. Their membranes hold the potential to make a significant, positive environmental impact by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions through membrane-based dehumidification. Membrane-based dehumidification can significantly lower the energy consumption of commercial and residential air conditioning and dehumidification processes in Canada.

Next steps

Evercloak has secured investment and additional non-dilutive funding to build on project progress, enabling the company to accelerate membrane manufacturing scale-up activities and extend their successful initial work to optimize the HVAC system towards energy efficiency.

As next steps, Evercloak is working towards commercial membrane manufacturing and improving supply chains. In addition, Evercloak is advancing membrane cartridge designs for manufacturability and commercial scale.

Technology in Action

In Their Words

“The BESC program has been critical in our early-stage development to support Evercloak’s technology validation and proof of concept. In addition, the cohort of companies has been invaluable as a peer-peer network.”

Evelyn Allen, P.Eng., M.Eng CEO & Co-founder