Saudi Scientists Develop Nescod: Electricity-Free Cooling Technology Using Ammonium Nitrate

Key Facts

• The cooling technology, named Nescod (No Electricity and Sustainable Cooling on Demand), is developed by scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Professor Peng Wang.
• Nescod uses ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) dissolved in water, which absorbs heat from its surroundings through the process of endothermic dissolution, causing a significant temperature drop.
• In laboratory tests, the system reduced temperature from approximately 25°C to 3.6°C within 20 minutes, outperforming other salts such as ammonium chloride by about four times in cooling efficiency.
• The system includes a solar-powered regeneration cycle: solar energy evaporates the water solution, leading to crystallization of ammonium nitrate, allowing the salt to be reused repeatedly without electricity.
• Ammonium nitrate is inexpensive, widely available, commonly used in fertilizers, and easy to store, making it suitable for use in regions with limited electricity and hot, dry conditions.
• This cooling method is relevant for rural and off-grid areas, low-income households, and has potential applications including cooling buildings, preserving temperature-sensitive goods, and food storage.

Background & Context

Conventional air conditioning systems demand significant electricity, contributing to increased fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions. With climate change leading to more frequent heatwaves and over 700 million people worldwide lacking reliable access to electricity, sustainable and affordable cooling solutions are urgently needed. The Nescod system presents a passive cooling technology leveraging chemical heat absorption (endothermic dissolution) and solar-powered regeneration, representing an innovative approach with environmental and social benefits.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

The development of the Nescod cooling technology is a pertinent example showing the integration of chemistry (endothermic dissolution), renewable energy (solar-powered regeneration), and sustainability efforts to address global challenges like energy scarcity and climate change. Understanding such technologies can help students answer questions related to innovative energy solutions, sustainable development, and advancements in science from the Middle East region. Key technical details such as the chemical reaction principles, temperature performance, and environmental impact are crucial for exam discussions.

Points to Remember

• KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) is a leading Saudi research institution involved in energy and environmental science.
• Nescod stands for “No Electricity and Sustainable Cooling on Demand.”
• The primary chemical used is ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃), known for its endothermic dissolution properties.
• The cooling effect is rapid and significant: approximately 25°C to 3.6°C in 20 minutes under tests.
• The system regenerates by solar evaporation of water, enabling multiple cycles without electrical input.
• This technology is particularly useful in hot, arid regions and areas with limited or unreliable electricity.
• Potential applications include sustainable cooling of homes, preservation of food, and temperature-sensitive goods handling in off-grid locations.