Charcoal Cooler

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Open source technology, can be locally fabricated

Manufacturing/Building Method

The Charcoal cooler can be constructed from locally available materials such as timber, wire mesh, charcoal, dry grass or papyrus reeds. It should be put under a shade but with free flowing wind. This video developed by Farm Concern International shows the construction of a Charcoal Cooler step by step

Intellectural Property Type

Open Source

User Provision Model

Different unit sizes of the Charcoal Cooler can be constructed by local artisans with materials which can be obtained locally.

Distributions to Date Status

Unknown

Design Specifications

A Charcoal Cooler storage is designed to function on the principle of evaporative cooling. The device is constructed from open timber frame which is filled with charcoal on the sides. Water from an overhead tank is used to spray the charcoal maintaining it wet. As warm, dry air flows through this wet medium, water is evaporated into the air, giving a cooling effect. The higher the rate of flow of the dry wind, the lower the temperatures are achieved.

Technical Support

There is no technical support and users are expected to maintain the device on their own.

Replacement Components

Timber, charcoal and wire mesh which can be purchased locally

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

In hot and dry climate ( 30°C and less than 30% humidity), the temperature in the storage chamber will be 10°C lower than the average ambient temperature and relative humidity treater than 75%.

Vetted Performance Status

A study conducted by the University of Nairobi, Kenya showed that the Charcoal Cooler is capable of extending shelf life of camel milk for at least one day during the marketing period. During the study period, the cooler consistently maintained an average temperature drop of 10.5±0.4°C below the ambient temperature.

Safety

There are no known safety hazards related to this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

The device requires reliable source of water to operate efficiently.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Uknown

Other Information

None