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Part 3 - What Is A PCM … How to Pick the Right KewlFabric Solution PCM for Your Product Line

Writer's picture: Ioannis AnastasakisIoannis Anastasakis

Remember last week we addressed why you need a PCM solution as part of your personal #activecooling product line.  It works when evaporative cooling will not work.  When considering whether or not to use a PCM solution versus an evaporative cooling solution consider these three variables.


  1. The environment.  If you can expect humidity at greater than 80-85% evaporative cooling will not be effective and it is probably best to go with a PCM solution.

  2. If the work area has little to no airflow such as in the belly of an airplane or when wearing a hazmat suit, it is probably best to go with a PCM solution.

  3. If one of the two above situations is in play and the user can wear a heavier cooling vest, it is probably best to go with a PCM solution.


Once you (and your customer) recognize that you need a PCM solution as part of your PPE #workwear you need to decide what kind of PCM solution fits your need.  You can start to address this question by considering 5 variables, Duration, Cost, Weight, Durability, Modularity.  Each variable will carry a different value or weight for you, but think through each and its implications on your customer.


  1. Duration

What is the minimum amount of time you need your PCM #coolingvest to operate to generate productivity gains and address safety concerns that make the expense worthwhile? How long do you need to be cool?  I specifically ask about minimum cooling duration because cooling duration is tied to cost and weight.  The longer you want the cooling vest to last in one activation, the costlier it can be.  Most PCM solutions will last 2-4hrs and will re-charge in one hour.  These seem to balance duration with weight and cost considerations.  The best selling and best known option below (and our main offering) is in blue and bold.


Different PCMs offer different durations tied to the amount of PCM needed (weight) and cost.  Our current offering provides the above choices with our Solid-Solid Gel options standing out as a rather unique PCM option.


There is alot to think about, but we are here to help when you are ready.


  1. Cost

Cost will always be a consideration for any business.  There has to be an ROI measured in improved safety (heat fatigue and heat stress avoidance), and/or improved productivity and/or improved performance etc.  The various combinations above all come at different price points based on cost to produce, volume considerations and raw materials costs.  Paraffin oil based PCMs are the most commonly used, and are produced in the largest quantities making them a cost effective option that can be delivered in high volumes quickly. When amount of PCM used is a factor in cooling duration, the lower the cost of the PCM, the longer cooling duration you can get per dollar spent.


Tune in next week when to continue our discussion with the next three variables to consider.


  1. Weight

  2. Durability

  3. Modularity


The Technology of Kewl!  Beat The Heat! Get It Done!


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