The UKRI Ayrton Challenge Programme has awarded funding to a groundbreaking project titled “Super-efficient Sustainable Cooling Solution for All Applications (S2Cool).” This interdisciplinary initiative, supported by the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund, aims to develop transformative technologies for low-carbon energy systems in countries like Pakistan. The project’s total funding of £2.8 million spans three years and involves collaboration among global institutions, including LUMS and Northumbria University.

From LUMS, Dr. Faheem Hassan Akhtar and Dr. Asim Karim will contribute their expertise to the project. Dr. Faheem’s research group, known for advancements in membrane technology, will focus on developing multicomponent membrane systems designed for energy-efficient cooling solutions. 

These systems aim to significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact by eliminating chemical refrigerants and enabling precise air dehumidification through selective mass and heat transfer mechanisms. The technology builds on previous successes in air dehumidification and is expected to achieve up to 65% energy savings compared to conventional air conditioning systems.

Dr. Asim Karim, from the Department of Computer Science, will bring his expertise in machine learning to optimize the performance of these advanced cooling systems. The collaboration highlights LUMS’ role in fostering interdisciplinary solutions for global challenges.

The Ayrton Challenge Programme emphasizes equitable research partnerships and innovative approaches to clean energy. Speaking about the initiative, UK Research and Innovation’s International Director noted:

“The Ayrton Challenge Programme demonstrates the power of research and innovation to address critical global challenges. These projects exemplify how interdisciplinary collaboration can unlock solutions for a sustainable and inclusive energy future.”

SBASSE is proud to be part of this effort, contributing to environmentally friendly climate control technologies and advancing its mission of impactful scientific research.