Brikoole, a passive cooling system designed by two Malaysian graduates, has been named the national winner of the prestigious James Dyson Award. The invention aims to tackle the growing energy consumption in buildings by reducing indoor temperatures without the use of external energy sources, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning systems.
Brikoole, developed by Wayne Chong and Nixon Ng, graduates of the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, uses controlled airflow and evaporative cooling to lower temperatures in tropical climates. The system, which integrates directly into a building’s structure, is inspired by natural ventilation systems such as termite mounds and ancient wind catchers.
“The main motivation behind Brikoole came from observing the rising energy consumption of air conditioning systems in tropical areas,” said Ng. “Someone I care about had their electricity bill spike, severely affecting their family’s finances, which pushed me to tackle this issue.”
The innovative design employs a 3D-printed mesh that is kept moist via a water distribution system. As air passes through, evaporation cools the air, which is then channeled into the building. In tropical climates like Malaysia, Brikoole can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 6.2 degrees Celsius.
The invention stands out in sustainable architecture by integrating the cooling system directly into the building materials. Unlike other passive cooling methods that require separate systems, Brikoole’s modular design can be easily adapted to various building styles.
As the national winner, Brikoole’s creators received MYR 29,300 to further develop their prototype, transitioning from the current wood PLA mesh to a more efficient ceramic structure. The team will also conduct real-world testing in tropical climates and explore design variations for different building types.
Sharon Yap, Head of Technology Development at Dyson, praised the invention: “Brikoole is a fantastic example of how young engineers can offer fresh perspectives on long-standing challenges like global warming. I’m hopeful this innovation will contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Brikoole will now advance to the next stage of the competition, with the international Top 20 shortlist announced on 16 October, followed by the global winners selected by James Dyson on 13 November.Review Corruption Charges
