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Introduction
Mrida
A Regenerative Air Cooler
Over the next three decades, the use of air conditioners is set to soar, becoming one of the top drivers of global electricity demand. How do we come up with a solution that does not use as much electricity yet helps us remain cool? The answer might be simpler than we imagine. Let's find out!
3-week long Individual Project done in 2021
By 2040, the global
demand for air conditioning is projected to triple
Over the next three decades, around 2/3 of the world's households could have an air conditioner. China, India and Indonesia will together account for half of the total number.
Working
What if we stayed cool using the sun?
What if we harness the Solar power and natural cooling property of terracotta to cool down air?
Mirda
' Mrida" meaning " Earth" in sanskrit is a regenerative air cooler which used the technique of evaporative cooling. Its a completely self sustainable product with no need for an external power souce.
Cooling with the Sun
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How Mrida works !
As water passes down terracotta blocks, its temperature drops. The solar panel powers the fan blowing air on the cool blocks further cooling the air passing through the blocks down.
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Power Circulation
The peaceful plinking sound of the cooler resembles the soothing jostle of fountains and streams.
The solar powered fan which blows the air.
4 - 5 degrees
The drop in the temperature of air emitted after 15-20 minutes of the air cooler working.
Inspiration
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Inspiration
The inspiration for Mrida came from Ant Studio's Coral installations which use water passing over terracotta as a natural air coolant.
The main idea was to design a domestic product using the natural cooling technique used in the installations studied.
Form Ideations
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Prototyping
Clay slabbing method was used to make the terracotta pieces. Metal angles and sheets were welded, grinded and later painted to form the outer body.
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Prototyping
Ideation
Conclusion
Context
Mrida is a perfect addition for semi outdoor spaces like apartment balconies, courtyards and front yards.
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A Work In Progress
Mrida is currently an experimental concept in its early stages, and further development is needed in both form and function. Additionally, evaporative cooling techniques are something I want to further explore, with the aim of making them suitable for complete indoor usage as a potential alternative to conventional indoor air conditioning systems.
Check out my other Projects
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