Projects

Non-Electric Cooling Solutions for Tribal Villages

Thematic Area: Energy & Environment

Project Guide(s): Ms. Ranjani Sundaram

International Partner: Aurelien Vanhollebeke, EPFL, Switzerland

Amrita Partner: Bhaskar Kanchumarty, Amrita Technology Business Incubator

Village: Komalikudi, Kerala

Project Duration: 1 month

Identified Challenge & Aim: Many rural residents do not have access to sustainable sources of energy to heat their homes or for cooking. Similar challenges exist for cooling purposes during the summer heat. This project looks into designing and developing a needs-based non-electric cooling system for a tribal community.

The Study/Innovation: The team conducted a survey to understand social, cultural, economic, political, environmental, and technological factors and features in the village. They also went around the village and made a resource map. This gave the team a clear picture of the sustainable resources available in the village and helped the team understand the quantity of the resources available. The team also surveyed local natural sources of energy to strategize ways in which to build a non-electric based cooling system for villagers.

This was subsequently followed several group discussions with villagers to understand some of the current challenges they face. Through the discussions, villagers expressed their need for more robust and sustainable cooling options.

After collecting the required data from the preliminary field visit, the team went back to campus to design a prototype system that would meet the needs of the villagers. Once the prototype was made, the team traveled back to the village and proposed the system to the villagers.

Addresses Sustainable Development Goals: