Solar-powered air-con, freeze-tech and ‘fan-jakketos’ among innovative cooling gadgets on the market

The search for innovative cooling solutions is intensifying as nations confront escalating temperatures due to climate change and the ongoing El Nino weather phenomenon. While individuals typically resort to air-conditioners for relief, the UN convened a recent meeting in Singapore and urged representatives from approximately 60 countries to explore alternative and environmentally friendly cooling strategies.

This recommendation stems from the fact that traditional air-conditioning systems are energy-intensive and utilize refrigerants, some of which are potent greenhouse gases.

During an interview with The Straits Times, held on the sidelines of the UN meeting, Martin Krause, the director of the United Nations Environment Programme's climate change division, highlighted funding constraints as the most significant barrier to scaling up more innovative cooling measures. According to a 2024 report by UNEP and the International Finance Corporation, the global cooling solutions market in developing economies is projected to surge from approximately US$300 billion (S$383 billion) to a minimum of US$600 billion annually by 2050.

The article highlights several cooling gadgets currently available on the market. One such innovation is an air-conditioner manufactured in Singapore, which consumes up to 55 percent less energy compared to conventional models. This Ecoline system captures solar heat and heat from the surrounding air to partially warm the refrigerant, thereby conserving energy by reducing the electricity required to warm the refrigerant through traditional means.

Another portable cooling device suitable for homes or spaces without air-conditioning capabilities is an air cooler. This unit draws in warm air, which then passes through a water-soaked cooling pad, causing the air to become cooler. The fans then blow the cooled air out of the unit, providing targeted cooling for an individual rather than an entire room.

An innovative cooling apparel brand from Japan, named Freeze Tech, has developed fabric coated with a specific sugar alcohol. This fabric, when activated by perspiration or moisture, undergoes a reaction that draws heat away from the body, potentially cooling the wearer by up to 9 degrees Celsius. The fabric maintains its cooling properties even after more than 50 wash cycles. A construction company in Singapore has begun trials with Freeze Tech inner wear for its workforce involved in outdoor construction activities.

Other innovative cooling gadgets include portable devices resembling small chargers that can be clipped onto the waistband. These gadgets blow air to keep the torso cool and help dry perspiration on the back. Additionally, circular fans attached to work uniforms have become commonplace among outdoor workers in Japan, providing a breezy sensation during extreme heatwaves.

A cooling device resembling a horseshoe, known as a fan-jakketo, was introduced in Japan in the early 2000s. This device is placed around the neck and draws in air, pushing it through vents towards the neck and face, creating a cooling breeze. As nighttime temperatures rise, cooling bedding items may also be necessary to enhance sleep quality.

A cooling pillow typically features a cooling gel to draw heat away from the user and tiny air pockets to facilitate continuous airflow.