Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Northern Edge Algonquin is a highly acclaimed off-grid nature retreat located on Kawawaymog Lake, Algonquin Park. The team atNorthern Edge Algonquin proudly offers a unique experience to visitors, providing not only an exceptional tourism experience, butexposure to the practical modern technologies allowing the facility to operate off the electrical utility grid. This promotion of greenliving is a signature part of the experience, and has led to the operators of Northern Edge Algonquin becoming experts in greenliving and related technologies.As the facility sees more guests, and expands into other areas of business (including food production), food storage has become achallenge, requiring frequent trips to procure and obtain supplies. This both limits operational efficiency, and increases costs andfuel consumption. Northern Edge Algonquin sees an opportunity to implement a passive refrigeration system, using moderntechnologies to provide reliable, energy efficient cooling.In the project, the applied research team will produce a modernized version of an Ice House, which will be used as a pilotrefrigeration system by Northern Edge Algonquin, paving the way for this type of refrigeration to act as the primary method of foodstorage during their summer peak season, and as a basis for further potential education and technology licensing opportunities bythe company. The proposed project will take advantage of modern design, insulation, and sensing technologies to produce aprototype passive refrigeration system.The proposed innovation will enable expansion of Northern Edge Algonquin's services as well as provide direct technologylicensing opportunities.