Harvard Startup Trellis Air Unveils Energy-Efficient Cooling Solution to Tackle Rising AC Demand

Air conditioning (AC) systems currently contribute to around 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that is twice as much as all air travel combined. As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, the demand for cooling is expected to increase significantly, potentially soaring by up至 40 percent by 2030. This surge in demand will exacerbate energy consumption and associated climate-warming emissions unless innovative solutions are found. Trellis Air, a startup emerging from Harvard University, is poised to address this challenge. The company aims to revolutionize cooling technology by introducing a highly efficient dehumidification system. Traditional AC units rely on vapor-compression technology, which uses refrigerants to cool and dehumidify air. However, this process is energy-intensive and contributes to climate change. Desiccant air dryers, another option, use materials like salt to absorb moisture but face issues with scalability and robustness. Trellis Air's solution involves a third method—membrane dehumidification. Harvard scientists, led by Joanna Aizenberg, the Amy Smith Berylson Professor of Materials Science, and with the collaboration of Assistant Professor of Architecture Jonathan Grinham and Staff Scientist Jack Alvarenga, developed a unique membrane capable of separating water vapor directly from the air. This membrane is only 15 microns thick, which is thinner than a human hair, and is integrated into a 3D-printed tile assembly designed to protect it and enable efficient water vapor passage. Grinham's expertise in architecture and building science played a crucial role in the development of the membrane and the overall system. Initial research was supported by the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard’s Office of the Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability, and the U.S. Department of Energy. Following successful proof-of-concept tests in Miami and integration trials at Harvard’s HouseZero, a living laboratory for green building technologies, Trellis Air is now ready to commercialize its innovation. Russ Wilcox, the CEO of Trellis Air, was drawn to the project after a series of meetings with Christopher Petty, Director of Business Development for Physical Sciences at Harvard's Office of Technology Development (OTD). Petty, impressed by the potential impact of the technology, facilitated the licensing of the intellectual property to Trellis Air and introduced Wilcox to the team. Wilcox, known for his work in developing electronic paper-display technology for Kindles, saw a major opportunity in the massive AC market and the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions. The company's strategy for commercialization includes three main avenues: 1. Replacing desiccant systems in industrial applications to improve efficiency. 2. Offering more energy-efficient alternatives to basement dehumidifiers. 3. Integrating their dehumidification technology with existing AC systems as a "pre-drying module" to enhance overall performance and reduce energy usage. Real-world testing has been critical to validating Trellis Air’s technology. The Miami pilot, conducted through a Department of Energy grant, and the trial at HouseZero demonstrated the membrane's effectiveness in both humid and hot conditions. These demonstrations will be pivotal in securing investment and gaining market confidence. Industry insiders are enthusiastic about the potential of Trellis Air’s technology. According to Christopher Petty, the business's alignment with environmental goals and its promising technical advances could make a significant impact in the cooling sector. Harvard's Office of Technology Development continues to support the company, ensuring that the innovation progresses from the lab to the commercial stage. Trellis Air represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing energy demands and environmental impacts of air conditioning. By leveraging cutting-edge research and innovative design, the company aims to offer a sustainable and efficient solution to a critical global challenge. With a robust team and promising initial results, Trellis Air is well-positioned to transform the AC industry and contribute to a greener future.