Evaptainers EV-8

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$30.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Evaptainer

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include Wakati One, Chotukool, Mitticool Clay Refrigerator, and Zeer Pot.

Manufacturing/Building Method

This product is mass produced in China. Interview with representative

Intellectural Property Type

Patent

User Provision Model

Direct from manufacturer

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2019, 1000 units have been produced, 250 of which were used in Morocco for initial field testing, and 150 of which were donated to low-income families in Morocco. Interview with representative

Design Specifications

The EV-8 employs PhaseTek technology to enhance evaporative cooling, achieving a cooling effect of 15-20°C below ambient conditions without using electricity. This technology activates when water is added to the internal reservoir, which could be sourced from taps, wells, rivers, or lakes. As water evaporates through the walls of the device, heat is drawn out from the interior, creating a cooling effect.   The design includes a collapsible structure with dimensions of 57 x 45 x 39.5 cm when expanded and 57 x 45 x 11.6 cm when collapsed. The empty unit weighs 2 kg and can hold 60 liters of food and 3.8 liters of water. Made from food-safe plastic, the EV-8 features an internal chamber for storing food and a water reservoir positioned between the chamber and the outer wall. The cooling capacity of the EV-8 varies based on ambient air temperature and relative humidity.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Tech support can be requested via e-mail, available in the US and Morocco. ^{Interview with representative}

Replacement Components

Some components are available upon request. ^{Interview with representative}

Lifecycle

It has a 1 year full warranty and 3 years limited warranty. So far the first prototypes tested have lasted 2.5 years without problems. ^{Interview with representative}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The EV-8 can cool its internal storage space by 15-20 degrees Celsius from ambient conditions, potentially extending food shelf life from 2 days to 2 weeks. It is said to reduce the spoilage rate by at least 10%. Designer specified performance targets include lightweight and fully portable. The designer provides a graph that shows the expected internal temperature in degrees Celsius given ambient air temperature and relative humidity.

Vetted Performance Status

According to manufacturer's field testing the EV-8 is 5% more thermally efficient than a Zeer Pot. The impact on users is said to be a 10% of income savings, due to the time users can work instead of going to the market. ^{Interview with representative}

Safety

No safety precautions specified.

Complementary Technical Systems

Biogas or solar cookstove.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

All materials are food grade standard ^{Interview with representative}

Other Information

The Fenik Yuma 60 L was funded by a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. The company has a video explaining their product and how it works. The designer conducted field testing with support from USAID, National Geographic, and The Siemens-Stiftung Foundation. The usage of Evaptainers could be extended in natural disaster situations The manufacturer claims that the product can pay for itself in less than 3 months. This product is a winner of 2017 USA ASME ISHOW.