Charcoal Cooler
Open source
A Charcoal Cooler is a storage chamber constructed from locally available materials and is used to store perishable commodities under cool temperatures.
The Charcoal Cooler is a storage chamber that is used to keep perishable commodities without the need of electricity. The chamber works on the principle of evaporative cooling. The device is made of open timber frame with the sides filled with charcoal, which is continually kept moist. As warm, dry air passes through the moist charcoal, it draws energy from its surroundings which produces a considerable cooling effect.
Warm regions of the world, especially the rural areas where households are not connected to electricity.
Open source technology, can be locally fabricated
The cost varies with the size of the chamber. For example, a 2 x 1.5 x 1.5 meters chamber would cost 126.45 USD (13,000 KES) Converted July 2019
Products that work on the principle of evaporative cooling such as Zeer pot, Zero energy brick cooler, bamboo cooler and solar-powered refrigerator.
Farmers and traders in rural areas of the world with hot climates and with no electricity connection.