Synopsis

This project is aimed at creating an affordable air conditioning system for low-income apartment owners. The project team researched various methods of constructing the system, including mechanical vapour compression, absorption/adsorption, indirect evaporative cooling, geothermal HVAC, terracotta cones, and eco-coolers. To ensure that the needs of the various stakeholders, including the user, environment, manufacturer, government, retailers, and landlord were met, the solution was narrowed down to only apartment buildings and powered solely by off-grid sources. The team used a variety of supplemental tools, including mind maps, sticky note boards, and the SCAMPER tool to generate creative ideas based on existing AC products. Four possible solutions were identified: a geothermal HVAC, indirect evaporative cooling, terracotta cones with a solar-powered pump, and an eco-cooler with a solar-powered fan. These designs were evaluated based on various criteria, including longevity, cost, cooling capability, safety, government regulations, property considerations, and waste and footprint. The window-mounted indirect evaporative cooling and eco-cooler units were determined to be the most feasible options based on a weighted evaluation matrix. The cost of the indirect evaporative cooling system with a solar panel was approximately $2,745, while the eco-cooler with a solar-powered fan would cost between $350-$400. The team ultimately selected the eco-cooler as the final design based on three key metrics: environmental impact, cost, and property considerations.