A cooling system utilising energy from waterfalls and natural water flows has recently been invented by Associate Professor Dr Vo Chi Chinh from Da Nang University of Technology. The system produces iced water or refrigerated storage to meet people’s needs, especially in poor areas. 

After gazing at small streams running from the tops of mountains one day on the way to an appointment, Dr Chinh suddenly had the idea of utilising the water source to create energy. A specialist in hot and cold electrical technology, he focused on creating the equipment needed to produce ice water by harnessing hydro power in small measures. 

“Vietnam’s terrain has many mountains and hills and the national grid does not cover the whole country, especially mountainous areas,” said Dr Chinh. “So I wanted to build the system and help people.”   

The system is based on directly transforming water power into mechanical energy in order to turn a cold compressor. Water from waterfalls is directed through pipes and jetted directly into a wing reel, with kinetic energy being converted into mechanical energy. The inertia moves the reel and combines with water reserves in the reel to cool water and preserve food. 

The cooling system can produce a huge amount of ice and is not dependent upon the capacity of the equipment. With a total of VND12 million ($648), Dr Chinh made a cooling system that produces 200 kilograms of ice per day; enough for many households to use.     

According to Dr Chinh, the system can be put to use in many other places because it doesn’t require huge water capacity, just small springs or artesian water flows. The main energy is natural water so its end-product is clean, reusable and low cost. 

In addition to producing ice, the cooling system also cools refrigerated storage, preserving vegetables, foods, and medicines, etc. For instance, in mountainous areas people can use wing reels made from wood, bamboo and neohouzeaua (a kind of bamboo), instead of stainless steel, to make it cost effective.    

After announcing his cooling system, a number of companies have contacted Dr Chinh to order his equipment. He also consults many companies in Hanoi, Da Nang, Tay Ninh and Vung Tau on setting up the system. 

Dr Chinh’s work has been inspected and taken over by the Science Council at Da Nang University of Technology, and copyright is now being registered. He hopes to receive certification as soon as possible so it can soon support people in poor, mountainous areas.