Satyendra Pathak
Doha
The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) on Wednesday held a groundbreaking event at its TechnoHub research centre, located within the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), to mark the first public demonstration of Synergia 9n1.
An ultra-efficient hybrid cooling system, Synergia 9n1 is developed by GORD Founding Chairman Dr Yousef Alhorr and his team.
The demonstration, funded by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), attracted a diverse audience of more than 300 attendees, including researchers, government officials, engineers, sustainability experts and media representatives, both in-person and online.
Synergia 9n1 represents a significant leap forward in cooling technology, specifically designed to meet the unique demands of hot and humid climates. This next-generation dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) improves energy efficiency by an impressive 50 percent compared to conventional direct expansion (DX) condensing units, making it a groundbreaking innovation in the field.
Its development has received international recognition, including a patent from the UK Patent Office and international registration under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
One of the highlights of the event was the system’s award-winning reputation. Synergia 9n1 was honoured with the prestigious Energy Innovation of the Year 2022 award by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) in the USA. More recently, it was named the Best Patent in Energy Efficiency in 2024 by the League of Arab States (LAS), further solidifying its status as a leading solution in energy-efficient cooling.
During the event, Alhorr emphasised the system’s potential to combat climate change. “Synergia 9n1 is our commitment to combating climate change through actionable solutions tailored for harsh hot and humid climates encountered in many locations across the world. With heavy reliance on air conditioning, such regions face significant energy consumption challenges, which not only strain resources but also limit the use of outdoor spaces,” Alhorr said.
He highlighted the system’s potential to reduce energy consumption while enabling the cooling of outdoor areas, allowing communities to embrace their natural surroundings. This dual benefit not only addresses the comfort of individuals but also promotes sustainability by significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional cooling systems.
Synergia 9n1’s unique design allows it to offer significant advantages, particularly in areas with high energy demands due to environmental conditions. The system is capable of providing fresh air ventilation and cooling in a variety of applications, ranging from centrally air-conditioned buildings and open-air spaces to more specialised environments such as hospitals, laboratories, surgery suites and greenhouses. Its versatility also extends to remote, off-grid facilities, making it an ideal solution for temporary installations or locations with limited access to power.
Following a technical presentation that delved into the intricate workings of Synergia 9n1, attendees were treated to a live demonstration of the system’s capabilities. The demonstration allowed participants to witness firsthand the energy-saving potential of the system and its ability to cool outdoor spaces.
This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into the practicality and effectiveness of Synergia 9n1, showcasing how it can transform energy consumption in both indoor and outdoor environments.
In an interview with Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the event, Alhorr revealed that GORD is actively seeking partnerships to bring Synergia 9n1 to market.
With the completion of the system’s commercial prototype, which was manufactured entirely in Qatar, GORD is open to collaborations with entities interested in adopting this innovative cooling technology.
The production facility, he noted, could be established either in Qatar or abroad, depending on investor’s interest, adding that this move toward commercialisation marks an important step in making the technology widely available and accessible to various industries and sectors.
The demonstration event also shed light on the future applications of Synergia 9n1, from enhancing energy efficiency in existing infrastructure to shaping upcoming projects that prioritise sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how the system could be implemented in diverse settings, from sports facilities and entertainment venues to clean rooms and barns. Its wide-ranging applicability, combined with its energy-saving capabilities, positions Synergia 9n1 as a key player in the transition to more sustainable cooling solutions.
