In the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, combatting the oppressive sub-tropical heat, predominantly through the use of air-conditioning, contributes significantly, constituting nearly one-third (31%) of the overall electricity consumption.
Within this bustling metropolis, home to 7.4 million people, two innovative young engineers embarked on a quest for a more environmentally friendly approach to cooling buildings. Their efforts not only garnered attention but also earned them the admiration of the renowned inventor Sir James Dyson.
Hoi Fung Ronaldo Chan and Can Jovial Xiao devised E-COATING, a sustainable solution that addresses two pressing issues simultaneously. The ingenious technology capitalizes on the staggering volume of 470,000 glass bottles that find their way into landfills each day, repurposing them to create a reflective coating capable of deflecting the sun’s rays.
Crafted from recycled waste glass, E-COATING offers a versatile application, serving as an outer layer for roofs and walls. In doing so, it not only addresses the problem of disposable glass but also curtails the electricity demand associated with traditional cooling methods, such as air-conditioning. This innovative solution stands as a testament to the potential of eco-friendly technologies to mitigate environmental concerns while promoting energy efficiency.
“Based on my program calculation, you can save about 30% energy usage on air conditioning systems,” Ronaldo said.
“Ronaldo and Jovial have come up with a clever way to turn waste into something much more valuable,” said Sir James Dyson. He is the Founder and Chief Engineer at Dyson and he co-awarded the two inventors the 2023 James Dyson Award for Sustainability.
“E-COATING uses recycled glass to create a coating to put on exterior walls. This reflects the sun’s rays, and therefore saves a substantial proportion of the electricity needed to cool the building. It is a dual solution that is good for the environment and saves money.”
The grant aims to bolster the team’s efforts in enhancing both the adhesion and application ease of E-COATING. Additionally, it will facilitate exploration into novel formulations of E-COATING specifically designed for indoor applications. This financial support is integral to fostering advancements in the field, contributing to the overall progress of E-COATING technology. The team intends to leverage these resources to conduct in-depth research, ultimately driving innovation and improving the performance of E-COATING in indoor settings.
“We invented E-COATING with a desire to help tackle the serious environmental problems our planet is facing,” Ronaldo and Jovial said. “The prize money will allow us to further our research and development goals and start a company to take our invention to the next level.”
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