What Is the IsoMat™ Project?
Introducing IsoMat™! Welcome to Flint Engineering. The mission here centers on ensuring that both products and operations remain as sustainable and energy efficient as possible. The results delivered with IsoMat™ technology work to improve a company’s financial performance while reducing the impact and stress of energy usage on the planet. IsoMat™ works by employing the Flint Isothermal Energy Management System (EMS™). In simple terms, the system controls the movement of thermal energy, reducing the demand on traditional energy sources and, in doing so, easing pressure on the planet’s natural resources. This isothermal process drives thermal energy from relatively warm areas toward cooler areas very quickly – a key innovation in today’s quest for energy efficiency.
Main Benefit
- Reduces the carbon output of commercial refrigeration cabinets by 30%.
- Enhances temperature consistency, resulting in improved food storage and performance.
- Maintains optimum battery temperatures in EV packs, increasing pack life and allowing faster charge/discharge cycles.
- Originally developed as an isothermal building panel for cost-effective and aesthetic BIPV solutions.
- Demonstrated as part of an H2020 project across 7 European locations.
Sometimes, efficiency and environmental sustainability come together in surprising and impactful ways…
Refrigeration Reinvented
In commercial refrigeration, a seemingly simple replacement of steel shelves with an IsoMat™ equivalent transforms how a cabinet operates. The technology allows thermal energy, held in the merchandise, to flow into the relatively cold IsoMat™ shelf. This process proves far more energy efficient than relying solely on traditional cold air circulation. The outcome is a retail display cabinet that not only looks modern but significantly reduces energy consumption. The ingenuity of IsoMat™ in refrigeration reveals potential for reducing energy demand, optimizing performance, and promoting sustainability in everyday commercial applications.
Battery Temperature Management Excellence
For electric vehicle battery management, IsoMat™ is a game changer. Thermal energy generated by individual cells flows into the IsoMat™ pack casing. As a result, all batteries within the pack are maintained at the same, optimum temperature. This uniformity allows battery packs to experience increased life, improved safety, and more effective performance through faster charging and discharging cycles. The natural flow of thermal energy creates a seamless environment inside the battery casing, emphasizing a move toward more sustainable thermal management systems for today’s rapidly advancing EV technology.
Innovative Building Cladding and BIPV Solutions
Originally, Flint Engineering developed IsoMat™ as an isothermal building panel to provide Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions that are both cost effective and aesthetically pleasing. The technology now proves its versatility by being applied as a heat admitter in various building sectors. In cladding applications, the natural flow of energy from relatively warm surfaces to the IsoMat™ enables direct heating or cooling of a building. This dynamic process can dramatically influence the energy consumption of a building, turning ordinary façades into innovative, energy-managing structures that blend seamlessly with modern architectural aesthetics.
The Project Impact
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Future Applications and Broader Impact
The list of future applications is truly endless. IsoMat™ represents a novel approach in managing thermal energy that can be applied creatively to preserve the planet’s natural resources. Beyond its current use in refrigeration, battery packs, and innovative building cladding, IsoMat™ technology holds promise in any situation where thermal regulation is essential. For instance, energy can be harvested directly from the natural environment to satisfy heating or cooling needs within the built environment – a leap forward in direct energy use. Moreover, the versatility demonstrated by IsoMat™ in multiple scenarios offers encouragement to industries seeking sustainable alternatives. As companies continue to explore these applications, collaboration and creativity will ensure that the natural flows of energy are maximized to benefit both the planet and economic performance. In essence, IsoMat™ brings together advanced environmental engineering with practical, real-world applications, encouraging more sustainable practices and operational improvements across sectors.
