ChillWise

What it does

ChillWise™ is a passive, energy-efficient panel system using microencapsulated phase change materials (mPCMs) in lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) made with rice hull ash and fly ash, reducing indoor heat, lowering cooling costs, and promoting circularity.

Your inspiration

Intensifying heat waves and soaring electricity costs inspired the development of ChillWise™ LFC Panel System a passive cooling solution that reduces reliance on costly air conditioning (AC). In the Philippines, 70% of households lack AC due to high upfront and energy costs, and most children attend public schools without AC. We grew up in these homes and schools, enduring heat that impairs memory, focus, and well-being. During the April 2024 heatwave, heat indexes hit 53 °C. How can we move beyond traditional cooling to provide thermal comfort that is affordable, sustainable, and inclusive? ChillWise advances SDG 7, SDG 11, and SDG 13.

How it works

ChillWise™ is an innovative building panel designed to improve indoor thermal comfort while reducing energy use, especially in tropical climates. It integrates three key technologies. First, the panel uses lightweight foamed concrete filled with tiny air bubbles, making it naturally insulating by slowing heat transfer. Second, it contains microencapsulated Phase Change Materials (mPCMs) tiny capsules that absorb heat when indoor temperatures rise above 32 °C and release it when they drop, maintaining a stable indoor climate. These capsules also strengthen the concrete structure. Third, ChillWise™ uses sustainable fillers like rice hull ash and fly ash. The rice hull ash forms the mPCM shell, replacing petroleum-based materials, while fly ash reduces cement use cutting both cost and carbon. Together, these features allow ChillWise™ to store heat during the day and release it at night, reducing AC demand and boosting energy efficiency.

Design process

The study was developed at the Sustainable Resource Engineering Research for Construction Technologies Center (SuRER-CT) of MSU-IIT under Dr. Maria Sheila K. Ramos, where agro-industrial wastes were transformed into innovative construction materials. ChillWise™ was conceived to improve the thermal performance of lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) by integrating microencapsulated phase change materials (mPCM), using rice hull ash (RHA) as a sustainable, cost-effective shell. To assess its thermal performance, three miniature house prototypes were built: one with standard cement, one with LFC, and one with mPCM-integrated LFC. All were exposed to ambient conditions. Internal temperatures were monitored, and ASTM C518 was used to measure thermal conductivity. Results showed ChillWise™ had a conductivity of 0.1239 W/m-K and up to 95.04% energy savings over conventional concrete. The prototype demonstrated reduced heat gain, improved resistance, and strong passive cooling potential. We also consulted builders, energy engineers, and circular economy advocates to ensure scalability and affordability.

How it is different

ChillWise™ is an innovative wall panel and roof screed system designed to passively regulate indoor temperatures in hot, energy-strained climates. Unlike conventional panels, it integrates microencapsulated Na₂SO₄·10H₂O as the PCM core and 100% rice hull ash as the natural shell into LFC made from agro-industrial waste like fly ash and other pozzolans. This unique mix enables both thermal storage and insulation in a single, sustainable panel. While many PCM systems use petroleum-based shells or synthetic additives, ChillWise™ offers a durable, eco-friendly alternative. Its non-structural, modular design allows easy installation over existing walls or in new builds functioning entirely without electricity to reduce cooling loads. Tailored for tropical regions facing heat stress and unequal access to comfort, ChillWise™ unites insulating LFC, microencapsulated PCMs, and waste-based pozzolans into a localised, low-cost, climate-adaptive, circular solution.

Future plans

We envision ChillWise™ as a key solution for climate-resilient construction in tropical countries like the Philippines. Next steps include validating market fit with target users, scaling production through prefabricated moulds and waste partnerships, and expanding field tests in low-cost housing, schools, and cold storage. We also plan to secure IP and meet building codes. Long-term, ChillWise™ will support carbon-neutral homes, disaster-resilient shelters, and retrofits for urban heat islands turning waste into cooling materials for a warming world.

Awards

Though LFC with waste pozzolans did not receive direct recognition, its final application which is low-carbon cement was honoured in 2023 DOST–BPI and 2024 Dyson Awards. This ChillWise™ iteration advances thermal performance by integrating mPCMs with 100% rice hull ash shells, pushing innovation and sustainability further.