Cooling demand is projected to triple globally by 2050, which will significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions. In India, air conditioning already accounts for 10% of electricity consumption, amplifying the effects of global warming due to increased fossil fuel usage. To address this growing environmental concern, we are developing a low-cost, innovative evaporative cooling system. Our technology is designed to reduce the energy load while providing efficient cooling, without increasing humidity levels. This sustainable approach aims to provide an eco-friendly solution to the rising cooling demands.
Overview
Why Cooling Innovation?
As temperatures rise globally, the demand for cooling solutions is escalating, particularly in tropical regions like India. However, conventional cooling technologies such as air conditioners have limitations. They are energy-intensive, typically reaching a maximum Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4, and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, traditional natural evaporative coolers tend to increase humidity, making them uncomfortable in already humid climates. Our innovative cooling system addresses these gaps by offering an energy-efficient, low-humidity solution that leverages the natural process of evaporation.
Existing Approaches and Gaps
Despite the availability of various cooling technologies, existing solutions have notable limitations:
- Natural Evaporative Coolers: These increase indoor humidity, which can lead to discomfort, especially in humid climates.
- Air Conditioners: While effective, they typically have a maximum COP of 4, meaning they consume a significant amount of energy, which contributes to fossil fuel dependence and carbon emissions. These gaps highlight the need for a cooling solution that is both energy-efficient and capable of providing comfort without raising indoor humidity levels.
Our Solution
Our innovative evaporative cooling system operates on the principles of natural evaporation, which consumes significant latent heat, making it highly effective for cooling. Unlike traditional evaporative coolers, our technology does not increase environmental humidity, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency. With a projected COP of 20, our system is designed to consume far less energy than conventional air conditioners, reducing the overall carbon footprint while providing sustainable and efficient cooling.
Design Process
Our journey began by exploring natural cooling methods and identifying evaporation as a powerful mechanism due to its high latent heat absorption. We focused on combining the benefits of evaporative cooling with the energy efficiency of natural cooling methods. After extensive testing and prototyping, we developed a system that maximizes the cooling effect of evaporation without increasing humidity. By optimizing the balance between energy consumption and cooling performance, we have created a prototype that is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. This design process has laid the groundwork for a cooling solution that is efficient, scalable, and adaptable for various environments.
How It Is Different
Our evaporative cooling system achieves a COP of 15, which is significantly higher than the typical COP of 4 found in conventional air conditioners. This means our technology consumes substantially less energy, making it a sustainable alternative. Additionally, unlike standard evaporative coolers that raise humidity levels, our system maintains optimal indoor air quality without adding moisture to the environment. This combination of high energy efficiency and low humidity output sets our solution apart from traditional cooling systems, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to meet cooling demands.
Our Achievements
Global Top 30 Teams in the BeChangeMakers 2024 program.
Finalist of the Vishwakarma Award 2024 for innovative cooling solutions.
Established a Cooling Community with the support of United People Global (UPG), dedicated to promoting sustainable cooling technologies.
Our Partner
Future Plan
Following the successful testing of our prototype, we aim to develop a streamlined governing equation that will enhance the technology's scalability. Our next step involves creating modular cooling systems suitable for various applications, including households, offices, and industrial facilities. By refining our design and focusing on modularity, we aim to provide tailored cooling solutions that cater to different installation needs. Our long-term vision is to contribute to a sustainable future by making efficient cooling accessible and affordable for a wide range of users.