The Air Disc Cooling System

Heatwaves in the Philippines are becoming more common due to climate change, and this trend already
seems unavoidable. Burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests and farming livestock are some of the
causes of global warming. 

How does global warming affect humans? The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, by
2050,more than 255,000 people could be killed annually from extreme heat waves, leaving the most
vulnerable at high risk. Heat waves kill over 10,000 people each year, and the number is expected to rise
as temperatures rise. 

Almost all of us Filipinos use air conditioning systems to prevent heat, but is it good for our nature?
Most cooling systems use refrigerants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochloroflourocarbons
(HCFCs). These chemicals are potent heat-trapping gases and deplete the ozone layer, which absorbs
most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. 

But how can we cool ourselves without warming the planet? Maria Yzabell Angel Palma, a 19-year old
student, accidentally discovered a game-changing technology while working on a piece of eco-friendly
cooking equipment for her high school project at the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Bicol
campus. During a test run, she discovered that cold air was coming out of the copper tube, resembling
the cold air coming out of an A/C unit. She decided to develop the cold air technology, which she said
was easier for her to control than pursuing her original project of making an "airwave oven." 

The Air Disc Cooling System 

The Air Disc cooling system forgoes chemicals and refrigerants. Instead, the system "uses free,
abundant, earth-friendly air molecules in combination with atmospheric moisture as the refrigerant of a
revolutionary new innovative cooling system that has minimal use of energy to mitigate global
warming." 

Palma also emphasized that the AirDisc technology does not use refrigerants,which is a big win for the
environment. She said every kilogram of chemical refrigerant sends 20,000 kg of carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere. 

It took her two years to develop the Air Disc technology, which Palma hoped would be her contribution
to cooling the world without contributing to climate change. 

How many watts can be consumed by this technology? The AirDisc only consumes 150 watts compared
to the 1,200 to 1,500 watts of prevailing air conditioners on the market, saving consumers 90% on
electricity bills. 

This invention gained awards and recognition both in the Philippines and abroad, one of which is the
James Dyson Award. 
She intended to mass-produce the AirDisc in 2020, but the pandemic delayed her plans. She is set to
launch her project with her business partners in 2023 with plans to expand its application to transport or
car air conditioning.