CoolPot

What it does

CoolPot Urban replaces energy-hungry, gas-based air conditioning with a bio-inspired Canadian earth tube system: no compressor, no gas, just natural cooling using PCMs and water, saving 90% energy and reducing carbon footprint drastically.

Your inspiration

The idea for CoolPot Urban came from a simple observation: conventional air conditioning is energy-hungry, noisy and relies on polluting refrigerant gases. Passionate about bio-inspired solutions and concerned about climate change, I wanted to adapt the Canadian earth tube — which naturally tempers air using geothermal energy — into a compact, domestic, plug & play system. My research for a student project validated the potential of phase change materials (PCMs) to boost efficiency. My goal: democratise sustainable, accessible cooling.

How it works

CoolPot Urban naturally cools indoor air without a compressor or refrigerant gases. Warm air is drawn in and passes through a heat exchanger filled with phase change materials (PCMs) and water. The PCMs absorb heat by melting, storing thermal energy instead of rejecting it like conventional ACs. Water optimises heat transfer. The air exits cooler, with minimal noise and very low electricity use (just a fan and a small pump). The system regenerates naturally: stored heat is released when temperatures drop, ensuring a sustainable cycle. Plug & play, the unit is easy to install and requires no complex maintenance. This design combines thermal inertia with shallow geothermal inspiration to deliver optimal comfort, with no climate impact from harmful gases.

Design process

The CoolPot Urban design process started with validating an ancient physical principle—the Canadian well—miniaturized into a portable device. A proof of concept phase (TIPE) verified thermal viability and identified key parameters. Next, a functional prototype is under development, integrating optimized phase change materials (PCM) and a water circulation system to homogenize temperature. This prototype improves PCM sizing and the integration of water and air circuits. We tested energy consumption reduction and silent operation. Future steps include industrial pre-series focusing on durability, electrical safety, and ergonomic design. Each phase aims to optimize performance and ease of use.

How it is different

CoolPot Urban stands out by miniaturizing an ancient principle combined with modern phase change materials technology and an optimized closed-loop water system. Unlike traditional air conditioners, it consumes 90% less energy, produces almost no noise (<25 dB), and uses no harmful refrigerant gases. Its installation is simple, requiring no professional help, and it is portable—rare features for a cooling system. Moreover, its automatic nighttime recharge and durability (>10,000 cycles) ensure sustainable and ecological comfort.

Future plans

Next steps include finalizing the beta prototype with full integration and pilot user testing, followed by the pre-series phase focusing on industrial optimization and CE certification. Commercially, we target the urban residential and professional markets, emphasizing accessibility and sustainability. Our goal is to deploy CoolPot Urban at scale, significantly reduce air conditioning carbon footprints, and ease the energy transition for homes and offices.

Awards