Team info
Fumi Lesné-Akiyama
Laurin Gschwenter
Domonkos Barkovits
Category
The Challenge
Bacteria colonise heat exchanger surfaces and form insulating biofilms. Fouled exchangers use up to 35% more energy, and fouling costs industry an estimated €200B a year. Operators fight it with copper biocides, dosed after fouling has started, or with PFAS coatings. Both are being regulated out by upcoming EU regulations.
The solution
A bio-based, PFAS-free coating that repels bacteria, so they never attach and biofilm can’t form. The coating is thin, durable and heat-conductive, and can be applied without dismantling the heat exchanger. We start with liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers in medium-size data centres.
Mission
Keep the world’s cooling systems clean without chemicals, using coatings inspired by nature.