Hardware Podcasts

Transforming Cooling Systems for Energy Efficiency and Global Impact with Ross Bonner

Hardware to Save a Planet · 30 Jan 2025 · 45m · Episode 71

What this episode covers

Ross Bonner, CTO and co-founder of Transaera, explains how his company uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to create air conditioning systems that use 40% less energy than conventional units by decoupling dehumidification from cooling. Bonner details the transition from GE Aerospace to MIT, where he and co-founders Serene Gnanamanickam and Mirchadinka combined 15 years of MOF research with a focus on HVAC efficiency to address the global equity crisis in cooling access. The team developed a desiccant wheel architecture that integrates with standard rooftop HVAC equipment, allowing for rapid adoption by manufacturers without requiring new installation processes. They are currently validating the technology through commercial pilot programs, aiming to scale production as MOF manufacturing costs decrease to eventually serve underserved markets in hot, humid regions.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Transaera, GE Aerospace, Elemental Impact, Fleet Robotics
Materials
metal-organic frameworks, MOF
Also
MIT, R 410 A, Willis Carrier

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