21
July
2015
|
15:12
Asia/Singapore

Naturally cooler buildings

Asst Prof Chua received the Minister for National Development's R&D Award 2015 for his revolutionary membrane technology

Assistant Professor Ernest Chua from the Department of Mechanical Engineering has won the Minister for National Development's R&D Award 2015. His project titled Novel Nano-Woven Membrane Air Dehumidification to Enhance Building Energy Efficiency was the only one to be bestowed the Distinguished Award, the highest category of award.

His novel invention uses revolutionary membrane technology to remove moisture from air entering a building via nano-polymeric materials without the need for thermal regeneration. It is expected to enable Singapore to greatly improve energy efficiency in buildings as less energy is needed by air-conditioning systems to cool the air. It also boasts great potential for confined spaces where removing moisture from the air is critical for human comfort and continuous operation of delicate equipment such as field hospitals and operation decks of navy ships and aircraft.

Asst Prof Chua was presented the award by Guest-of-Honour Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee at the 3rd Urban Sustainability R&D Congress 2015 held from 9 to 10 July at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Read more about Asst Prof Chua's achievement