An important step towards developing a more effective and sustainable cooling technology, significantly enhancing the quality of life and environment in Kuwait and around the world.

In an innovative step to improve the efficiency of air conditioning systems and sustain the environment, Kuwait University obtained a US registered patent through the Patents and Intellectual Property Office at the Research Sector, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Ammar Bahman, Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Petroleum and his research team including Dr. Osama Ibrahim and Sarah Barghash. The patent titled “Air Conditioning System with Solar-powered Subcooling System” is considered a breakthrough in the field of cooling and air conditioning technology, meeting the growing need to enhance the cooling systems of houses and buildings.

Prof. Fayez Al-Dhafiri, Acting Kuwait University President, extended his congratulations to Dr. Ammar Bahman for obtaining a new patent, while complementing the proactive role of the Patents and Intellectual Property Office in supporting inventors and facilitating patents registration process.

Meanwhile, Prof. Othman Al-Khadher, Acting Vice President for Research, stated that Kuwait University is proud to have a distinguished elite of inventors such as Dr. Ammar Bahman, who obtained a patent that can further enhance Kuwait environment. The patent also comes in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the UN sustainable development goals and contributes effectively in lifting KU's ranking in the QS World University Rankings. He emphasized that Kuwait University endeavors to achieve high-quality research outputs and remarkable inventions and seeks to promote the culture of quality research through applying quality standards in all academic and research practices, ensuring excellence in education and research outcomes.

In a brief description of the patent, Dr. Ammar Bahman explained that the idea of his invention evolves around the main air conditioning system which operates in a conventional vapor compression refrigerant cycle, with the compressor being powered by a rechargeable battery connected to a photovoltaic solar panel. The main system and the subcooling system are linked by a heat exchanger so that the two systems can use the same type of refrigerant, or different refrigerant types for the utmost efficiency.

Dr. Bahman added that the additional cooling provided to the refrigerant in the main system by subcooling increases the efficiency of the air conditioning system, and thanks to the sustainable solar energy used to operate the compressor, dependence on other energy sources will be reduced and therefore the environmental impact of these systems will be minimized.

The patent titled “Air Conditioning System with Solar-powered Subcooling System” is vital step towards developing the most effective and sustainable cooling technology and shall significantly enhance the quality of life and the environment in Kuwait and around the world. Applications of this innovative technology can be used in houses and both commercial and industrial buildings, leading to reduced energy consumption and thus energy costs-savings in the long run.

On her part, Dr. Haneen Al-Ghabra, Assistant Vice President for External Research Collaboration and Consultations, stated that Kuwait, with its extremely hot summer climate, shall achieve the ultimate benefit from Dr. Ammar Bahman’s patent that is based on an air conditioning system with a solar subcooling system. The invention will result in energy savings, thus reduce the environmental impact and our dependence on electricity coming from main power plants. It will also have a positive impact on the life of citizens and society in the most effective scientific way. She further stressed that the Research Sector encourages inventors to develop inventions that address national priorities and serve Kuwait's development goals.