Two Arizona State University graduates have created a "sunscreen" for buildings—a roof coating designed to help structures beat the heat. Developed by Matthew Aguayo and Aashay Arora, the coating works by mimicking the freeze-and-thaw cycle of an ice pack. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, their invention could extend roof life and significantly reduce energy costs.
At Arizona State University, intensive testing of this innovative coating has already shown promise, with classrooms treated with the product reportedly witnessing up to a "25 to 30% reduction in heating and cooling costs," Arora told FOX 10 Phoenix. What sets this product apart is its ability to freeze at night and then to actively cool throughout the day, a revolutionary approach this desert state could well use to effectively manage escaping or incoming heat.
The endeavor isn’t just a stepping stone to commercial success; it’s also a proof of concept for practical applications in sustainability. Aguayo and Arora's start-up, EnKoat, has garnered attention from critical stakeholders like the Salt River Project (SRP), which provides water and power to central Arizona. One collaborative effort is a two-year study on the roof of ASU’s preservation facility, armed with sensors to monitor energy performance. As Aguayo explained in a statement obtained by ASU News, "It also will potentially provide custom rebate solutions for SRP customers and serve as a tool to educate the industry as a whole."
The technology at the heart of EnKoat's product is something called thermal energy storage (TES) materials. These materials are environmentally friendly, holding the line against the heat without releasing toxic vapors over time. Aguayo characterized the product, saying, "With IntelliKoat, as the temperature rises during the day, the particles change from solid to liquid," in an interview with ASU News. The stage is set for this innovative solution to not only push commercial boundaries but also to quickly become an indispensable part of Southwestern infrastructure.
EnKoat’s vision extends beyond these early triumphs. The company is already looking forward to new applications like spray-on products for vertical surfaces and expanding the technology's use in colder climates. While their focus has been commercial roofing, the impacts of their research could ripple outward, aiding in the reduction of energy demands on a national scale.
