At issue: the very operation of current air conditioners, which is based on the circulation of a gas, its compression, and heat exchange. The approach taken by Hexafresh is based on a Peltier cell: a cheap electronic component that generates heat on one side and cold on the other. This type of cell is found in certain models of electric insulated bags. Usually the efficiency of Peltier cells is far from exceptional.
This portable air conditioner relies on the Peltier effect rather than heat exchange
But the engineers would have managed to improve this effect, to the point of asserting that the device consumes at equivalent power, 80% less energy compared to a conventional air conditioner. Of course, it will be necessary to verify the statements of the firm with the product in the hands once it has been launched. But the invention caught the attention of the Global Innovation & Enterprise show which was held in Paris on June 27, 2022.
Hexafresh thus ended up in the top 12 startups participating in the event. The Lebanese entrepreneurs thus received a prize of 17,000 dollars – provided by the Dutch Embassy. Eventually, they think they can sell their portable air conditioner for less than €200 per unit*. The production of the first Hexafresh should begin during the summer.
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At least, assure the Hexafresh officials, if they manage to raise the necessary funds by then. Startup officials are also looking to protect their idea by obtaining a patent – before launching Hexafresh in Europe. This portable air conditioning unit will eventually be produced in China for cost reasons. But everything else, from design to marketing, should create direct jobs in Lebanon.
* The price mentioned was “less than €100” in an earlier version of this article – after discussion with Hexafresh officials, we have corrected this price. It is now a question of a sale price of less than 200 €.