In 2018, Nathalie and François Capitaine, a pair of inventors from the Gironde region in France, patented a revolutionary mosquito net that not only protects against these insects but also cools the air in the home by up to 9°F (5°C).
This innovative product, named Mostiglass, is already being used by individuals and communities, promising to change the way we deal with heat and mosquitoes.
The Problem of Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes, those annoying insects that ruin our evenings on the terrace and our nights at the campsite, seem to have a special preference for some people, leaving others in peace. Nathalie and François, aware of this problem and utilizing their knowledge in physics and the polymer industry, decided to create an effective and multifunctional solution: Mostiglass.
What is Mostiglass?
Mostiglass is a mosquito net available in both rigid and flexible versions, depending on where it is installed.
The innovation of this net lies in its ability to cool the air using a physical principle known as the Venturi effect.
This effect accelerates the air passing through the net, causing decompression and, therefore, a drop in temperature. This product, validated by the World Health Organization (WHO), is exclusively marketed in France and manufactured locally.
How Mostiglass Works
The Mostiglass net can be installed on doors, windows, and large windows, and is custom-made for each client.
Unlike conventional nets, which tend to deform and darken the room over time due to sun and rain exposure, Mostiglass is made of laser-perforated polycarbonate to ensure maximum efficiency.
The holes in the net, designed by Nathalie, generate the Venturi effect, cooling the air passing through them. This can achieve an indoor temperature reduction of up to 9°F (5°C) and up to 18°F (10°C) in extreme heat conditions.
Additionally, to prevent the net from darkening the room, a color treatment has been applied around each hole, allowing natural light to enter without creating annoying shadows.
Mostiglass is available for both individuals and communities. Prices vary according to the model: $3.90 per square foot (35 euros per square meter) for the flexible model and $8.90 per square foot (80 euros per square meter) for the rigid model.
French cities, as well as various localities along the Mediterranean coast, have shown great interest in this innovation due to the high concentration of mosquitoes in these areas. Thanks to Mostiglass, this summer, residents will be able to enjoy their homes cool and mosquito-free.
Mostiglass Technology
Mostiglass® is a technology developed from perforated, transparent polycarbonate glazing.
Its drilling technique and design make it a unique product in the world, whose characteristics offer solutions to many problems related to our daily environment.
Thanks to its design and numerous fixing systems adapted to all types of openings (windows, doors, large windows, roof windows), Mostiglass® is an effective barrier against pests and 100% effective against tiger mosquitoes.
By applying, among other things, the Venturi physical effect, Mostiglass® regulates the temperature of incoming air, allowing for a cooler and more pleasant atmosphere.
Mostiglass® is an ecological solution that requires no electrical supply or pesticides, thanks to its recyclable and time-resistant material: polycarbonate!
Mostiglass® and Temperature Reduction
Mostiglass® is a system designed to regulate the temperature between the interior and exterior of a building. Its main objective is to create a pressure difference that effectively manages climatic conditions inside the room. Here are some key points about how Mostiglass® works:
In Summer:
- Mostiglass® limits the entry of hot air into the building and reduces the temperature of incoming air when it exceeds 77°F (25°C).
- The effectiveness in reducing temperature increases with the rise in external temperature, reaching up to 16°F (9°C) difference between the interior and exterior.
In Winter:
- Mostiglass® acts as thermal insulation, allowing gentle ventilation without drafts.
- It reduces heat loss while maintaining thermal regulation.
Airflow:
- Mostiglass® allows air to pass through, avoiding unwanted drafts.
- Ventilation is gentle, ensuring a beneficial air exchange without compromising interior thermal comfort.
What is the Venturi Effect?
The Venturi effect is a physical principle that describes how the flow of a fluid (liquid or gas) behaves when passing through a conduit with a narrow section. This effect was described by Italian physicist Giovanni Battista Venturi in the 18th century and is based on the conservation of energy in a moving fluid.
Principles of the Venturi Effect
Flow Acceleration:
- When a fluid passes through a narrow section of a conduit, its speed increases.
Pressure Decrease:
- By increasing the fluid’s speed in the narrow section, its pressure decreases. This is due to the conservation of energy: the fluid’s kinetic energy increases at the expense of its pressure energy.
Applications of the Venturi Effect
The Venturi effect has numerous applications in various fields:
- Aeronautics: In the carburetors of airplane engines, where air passes through a narrow section to mix with fuel and improve combustion.
- Medicine: In medical devices like nebulizers, which use the Venturi effect to atomize liquid medications into a fine inhalable mist.
- Civil and Environmental Engineering: In ventilation and air conditioning systems, where it is used to improve air flow efficiency and control temperature.
Venturi Effect in Mostiglass®
In the case of Mostiglass® technology, the Venturi effect is applied as follows:
Hole Design:
- The Mostiglass® net is designed with specific holes that create a Venturi effect by allowing air to pass through them.
Temperature Regulation:
- As air passes through these holes, its speed increases, and the pressure decreases, leading to a reduction in the temperature of the incoming air. This helps maintain a cooler and more pleasant atmosphere inside the rooms.
The Venturi effect is a fundamental physical phenomenon that is leveraged in many modern technologies, including the innovative Mostiglass® net, to enhance efficiency and comfort in various environments.
