Zero-Energy Air Conditioner by Ant-Studio

This installation is an attempt to simplify and rethink the concept of air conditioning, taking into account that standardised solutions may not be universally applicable given the constraints of costs and the environment. 

The shape and size of the beehive-inspired structure’s densely packed terra-cotta cones were determined using advanced computational analysis and modern calibration techniques. The Ant Studio architectural bureau team rethought traditional methods of evaporative cooling to create a prototype assembled from clay cylindrical cones, each of which has an individual design and size.  

Summer in India is a difficult time, especially in the workplace, which is located close to the generator system. A suffocating environment not only provokes a loss of enthusiasm and productivity among employees, but excessive heat can also adversely affect the health and well-being of workers. Deki Electronics has been confronted with this problem all the time, and large and expensive air conditioning systems were not an alternative. The situation required an economical, energy-efficient, and reliable solution.

Creative Air Cooling System by Ant-Studio

To solve this problem, the team found the answer in traditional technology and with the help of centuries of experience – evaporative cooling – this is a decrease in temperature using water and some materials that can be found in the surrounding area – a technique that was used in ancient times. n of a porous material as a medium for heat transfer, which, using the cooling properties of water, turns hot air from generators into a pleasant breeze.

“As an architect, I wanted to find a solution that is ecological and aesthetic, while at the same time developing traditional craft methods,” said Monish Siripurapu, founder of Ant Studio.

Clay cones were used to create the prototype. The design and size of the conical components were tuned using advanced computational analysis and calibration methods. The thickness and length of the material were changed using CFD analysis (computational fluid dynamics method).

The use of cylindrical cones provides a large surface area, which allows you to maximise the cooling effect. The temperature of the airflow around the installation was constantly fixed: the temperature of the hot air entering the installation was 50 degrees Celsius, and the speed was 10 m / s. The room-temperature water used by the production is lowered to the surface of the cylinders. This process cools the hot air passing through the clay pipes. It was noted that after the cooling effect was achieved, the temperature around the installation decreased to 36 degrees Celsius, while the outside temperature remained the same – 42 degrees Celsius. The velocity of the obtained cooled air flow was 4 m / s.

“I believe that this experiment works quite normally. These findings open up many more opportunities. We understand where we can integrate this method, which changes our vision of how we look at the cooling system, a necessary but often ignored component of the building’s functionality. "Each installation can be considered as a work of art," Monish explained.

Not only does this installation provide a summary of the method with extreme simplicity, but Ant Studio also considers it a scalable technical and functional solution, as well as an artistic installation.

“The circular profile can be changed into an artistic interpretation, while the falling water provides a relaxing atmosphere. The simplicity of the clay cylinder device allows it to work in any environment with the slightest wind. “Many factories across the country face a similar problem, and this is a solution that can be easily created; the wide dissemination of this concept can even help local potters.”

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