Mitti cool fridge

The Mitti Cool fridge, also known as a clay refrigerator, was invented by Mansukhbhai Prajapati, a potter from Gujarat, India. This ingenious cooling system is made primarily from clay (mud) and uses the principles of evaporative cooling to keep food fresh without electricity.

Here's an overview of the key features I used and how it works:

1. Construction:

   • The fridge is made mainly from clay, mixed with sawdust for insulation.

   • I used a simple design with upper and lower chambers created by pots I could find.

2. Water system:

   • The upper chamber was filled with water.

   • The pot had porous clay walls which allowed water to seep through slowly.

3. Cooling mechanism:

   • As water evaporates from the surface of the clay, the heat from the interior is taken along with it hence cooling the contents inside.

   • This process is similar to how termite mounds regulate their internal temperature- hence a biomimicry project.

4. Functionality:

   • I used the lower chamber to store fruits, vegetables, and other perishables without any electricity.

5. Benefits:

   • Eco-friendly: Uses no electricity and is made from natural materials.

   • Cost-effective: Much cheaper than conventional refrigerators.

   • Suitable for rural areas: Works well in places with limited or no electricity.

6. Limitations:

   • Cooling is not as powerful as electric refrigerators.

   • Requires regular refilling of water.

7. Challenges in construction:
   - I faced difficulty in making the chamber, however after gaining insight on how the physical shape affects the cooling properties, I worked on a more ovoid shape. Figuring out the constant water supply mechanism was another significant drawback.

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The Mitti Cool fridge is an excellent example of sustainable innovation that combines traditional acquaintance with modern needs. It's particularly useful in developing regions or areas prone to frequent power outages.