Collapsible Evaporative Cooling for Communities Without Infrastructure

Add Image Here** Hero image showing the fully deployed origami cooler in use – perhaps in a humanitarian context or remote location, demonstrating its cooling effect

Project Overview

Challenge: Design an accessible, infrastructure-independent cooling solution for communities and situations where traditional air conditioning is unavailable or unaffordable

Solution: A collapsible, solar-powered evaporative cooler inspired by origami folding principles that operates using only water and sunlight

Role: Product Designer & Social Impact Researcher (building upon initial concept collaboration)

Timeline: [Add project duration]

Impact Focus: Humanitarian relief, climate adaptation, sustainable technology

Tools: [List design software, prototyping materials, testing equipment]

The Global Challenge

Climate change is intensifying heat waves worldwide, yet billions of people lack access to cooling solutions. Traditional air conditioning requires reliable electricity infrastructure and significant financial resources – luxuries unavailable to many of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Add Image Here** Infographic showing global statistics on heat-related deaths, populations without electricity access, and climate change temperature projections

The Scale of Need:

• 1.1 billion people globally lack access to cooling when they need it most
• Heat-related deaths are projected to increase 5x by 2050
• Traditional AC units consume 20% of global electricity and contribute to climate change
• Rural and displaced communities often have no cooling options during extreme weather

Add Image Here** Photos showing heat-affected communities, refugee camps, or rural areas where traditional cooling is unavailable

This project began when my father identified the core challenge: how could we create effective cooling for places where electrical infrastructure simply doesn’t exist? Building on his initial concept, I saw an opportunity to develop a solution that could serve both outdoor enthusiasts and communities facing climate vulnerability.

Understanding User Needs

To design an effective solution, I researched diverse use cases from recreational camping to humanitarian crisis response, focusing on contexts where traditional cooling is impossible.

Add Image Here** Research documentation – interviews, field visits, or correspondence with humanitarian organizations

Primary User Groups:

1. Humanitarian Organizations: Need portable cooling for medical facilities, refugee camps, and emergency shelters
2. Rural Communities: Require affordable cooling solutions independent of electrical grid
3. Off-Grid Enthusiasts: Campers, researchers, and remote workers seeking sustainable comfort
4. Climate Adaptation Programs: Communities preparing for increased heat events

Key Requirements Identified:

• Operates without electrical infrastructure
• Transportable by individuals or small teams
• Affordable for resource-constrained users
• Uses locally available materials (water)
• Environmentally sustainable operation
• Simple setup and maintenance

Add Image Here** User journey maps or personas showing different use case scenarios

Technical Research & Constraints

Evaporative cooling offers the most viable path for infrastructure-independent climate control, but existing solutions are either too large, expensive, or power-hungry for our target applications.

Add Image Here** Technical diagrams explaining evaporative cooling principles and efficiency in different climates

Evaporative Cooling Advantages:

• Uses 75% less energy than traditional AC
• Effective in dry climates (where many vulnerable populations live)
• Simple mechanical operation with few failure points
• Uses water instead of harmful refrigerants

Design Constraints:

• Must pack small for transport (humanitarian logistics)
• Limited power budget (solar panel constraints)
• Cost target under $100 for accessibility
• Durable enough for harsh environments
• Repairable with basic tools and materials

Add Image Here** Comparison analysis of existing cooling solutions, their power requirements, and cost barriers

Concept Development: The Origami Approach

The breakthrough came from studying origami folding patterns. What if a cooling system could fold flat for transport but expand into a larger, more effective form when deployed?

Add Image Here** Origami folding pattern studies and initial concept sketches showing transformation from flat to 3D form

Design Inspiration:

• Origami tessellations for efficient flat-pack storage
• Honeycomb structures for maximum surface area with minimal material
• Biomimicry from desert plants that maximize cooling surface area

Core Innovation: The folding design increases the effective cooling surface area by 400% when deployed while maintaining a pack size smaller than a laptop when collapsed.

Add Image Here** Early prototypes showing the folding mechanism and size comparison between folded and deployed states

Integrated Systems:

• Solar panel charges internal battery during daylight hours
• Water reservoir with gravity-fed distribution system
• Variable-speed fan optimized for low power consumption
• Evaporative media that maximizes cooling while minimizing water usage

Iterative Design & Prototyping

Through multiple design iterations, I refined the folding mechanism, optimized the airflow patterns, and tested different materials for durability and effectiveness.

Add Image Here** Progression of prototypes showing design evolution and improvements

Prototype Evolution:

1. Cardboard concept models – Testing basic folding principles
2. 3D printed components – Refining mechanical connections
3. Mixed-material prototypes – Testing real-world durability
4. Field-ready units – Full system integration and testing

Add Image Here** CAD renderings or technical drawings showing internal component layout and airflow paths

Material Selection:

• Ripstop nylon fabric for the main body (lightweight, durable, water-resistant)
• Recycled plastic framework for structural components
• Cellulose cooling pads for high efficiency evaporation
• Integrated solar panel with battery management system

Add Image Here** Material testing photos showing durability tests, water resistance, and performance comparisons

Performance Testing & Validation

Rigorous testing validated both the cooling effectiveness and the humanitarian viability of the design across different climates and use scenarios.

Add Image Here** Field testing photos showing the cooler in various environments – desert, refugee camp simulation, rural community, etc.

Testing Methodology:

• Climate chamber testing across temperature and humidity ranges
• 72-hour continuous operation endurance tests
• User experience testing with non-technical operators
• Transportation durability testing
• Cost analysis for manufacturing and distribution

Performance Results:

• Temperature reduction: 15-25°F decrease in ambient temperature
• Coverage area: Effective cooling for 100-150 sq ft space
• Water efficiency: 8-12 hours of operation per gallon
• Power consumption: 24-hour operation on 6 hours of solar charging
• Setup time: Less than 10 minutes from packed to operational

Add Image Here** Data visualizations showing temperature reduction over time, power consumption graphs, and user satisfaction scores

Social Impact & Distribution Strategy

Beyond the technical solution, this project required considering how such technology could reach the communities that need it most.

Add Image Here** Partnership meetings or presentations to humanitarian organizations

Distribution Partnerships:

• Collaboration with international relief organizations
• Partnership discussions with renewable energy NGOs
• Pilot program proposals for climate adaptation initiatives
• Open-source documentation for local manufacturing

Economic Model:

• Tiered pricing: market rate for recreational users subsidizes humanitarian distribution
• Local assembly programs creating employment in target communities
• Maintenance training programs building local technical capacity

Add Image Here** Infographic showing the social enterprise model and community impact projections

Measured Impact Potential:

• Each unit could serve 10-15 people during heat emergencies
• Estimated production cost allows 3:1 subsidization ratio
• Local assembly could create 50+ jobs per 1,000 units produced
• Technology transfer enables community self-sufficiency

Final Design Solution

The Origami Cooler represents a convergence of thoughtful engineering, social impact design, and humanitarian logistics.

Add Image Here** Professional product photography showing the final design in both folded and deployed configurations

Key Features:

• Ultra-portable: Folds to 24″ x 18″ x 4″ for easy transport
• Solar-powered: Operates 24 hours on 6 hours of sunlight
• Water-efficient: Provides cooling for 8-12 hours per gallon
• Quick deployment: Sets up in under 10 minutes
• Durable construction: Designed for 3+ years of regular use
• Locally repairable: Common materials and simple mechanical design

Add Image Here** Exploded view diagram showing all components and assembly process

Technical Specifications:

• Cooling capacity: 2,000 BTU/hour equivalent
• Power consumption: 25W average
• Water tank capacity: 2 gallons
• Deployed dimensions: 4′ x 3′ x 2.5′
• Weight: 15 lbs complete system
• Operating range: 60-120°F ambient temperature

Real-World Impact & Future Vision

This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can address climate adaptation challenges while remaining economically viable and technically robust.

Add Image Here** Photos or renderings showing the cooler deployed in various humanitarian contexts

Pilot Deployments:

• Partnership with [Humanitarian Organization] for refugee camp testing
• Collaboration with rural healthcare clinics for medical equipment cooling
• Distribution through disaster relief organizations for emergency response

Environmental Benefits:

• 90% lower carbon footprint than traditional AC
• Uses renewable energy exclusively
• Zero harmful refrigerants
• Designed for circular economy principles

Add Image Here** Lifecycle assessment infographic showing environmental impact comparison

Scaling Potential: The origami folding principle opens possibilities for other humanitarian technologies – from solar stills to emergency shelters – that need to be compact for logistics but effective when deployed.

Learning & Reflection

This project taught me that the most impactful design solutions often emerge from constraints rather than unlimited resources. Working within the limitations of off-grid power, water scarcity, and humanitarian logistics forced creative innovations that wouldn’t have emerged otherwise.

Add Image Here** Behind-the-scenes photos of the design process, collaboration, or field testing

Key Lessons:

• Collaboration amplifies impact: Building on my father’s initial concept allowed us to achieve more together than either could alone
• Constraint-driven innovation: Limitations often spark the most creative solutions
• User-centered design scales: Solutions that work for extreme use cases often excel in mainstream applications
• Technology transfer matters: The most elegant designs are meaningless if they can’t reach those who need them

Future Development:

• Exploring larger-scale units for community cooling centers
• Investigating integration with existing humanitarian supply chains
• Developing educational programs for climate adaptation technology
• Open-sourcing designs for global manufacturing adaptation

Add Image Here** Vision board or future applications showing potential evolution of the technology

This project represents more than a cooling solution – it’s a proof of concept that thoughtful design can help communities adapt to our changing climate while building resilience and self-sufficiency.

Project Recognition

[Add any awards, press coverage, or recognition the project has received]

Add Image Here** Photos from presentations, awards ceremonies, or media coverage if applicable