Researcher granted patent for clay cooler
Mukesh Tandon
Tribune News Service
Sonepat, May 7
Mukesh Kumar, a researcher in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal, has made a clay cooler, which consumes half the electricity compared to normal cooler.
The Central Government has granted a patent for the innovation.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Prakash Singh said the reputation of any educational institution depended on the research work being done there. Research is the backbone of any university.
The VC appreciated the work of Amit Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, under whose guidance the research was carried out, and Mukesh Kumar for developing the eco-friendly cooling system.
He termed the work as a step in the direction of the United Nation’s sustainable development goals such as affordable, sustainable, clean energy systems and technology for the betterment of society.
The clay-based cooling system has the potential to enhance the socio-economic status of the potter community of the society as their services will be utilised.
Following the research, a patent has been granted by the Central Government’s Patent Office.
Sharma said the soil cooler was a testament to innovation and environmental consciousness.
The cooler made from clay is completely safe for environment as it breaks down into the earth. The innovation will also promote the government’s Make in India initiative.
It will create employment opportunities for people and enhance their standard of living, he added.
By utilising the natural properties of soil, the cooler offers several features — efficiency, biodegradability and eco-friendliness, thus addressing significant concerns regarding sustainability and environmental impact, he added.
Mukesh, a research scholar in Mechanical Engineering, collected soil samples from Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab for the project. Finally, the soil from Sohna in Haryana was chosen to make the cooler.
After failing 100 times, Mukesh finally succeeded in making it.
The researcher said if a clay cooler was manufactured on a large scale, it will cost half the normal cooler. Apart from this, the electricity consumption in the clay cooler is half as compared to the normal cooler. The clay cooler is completely environment friendly. When the clay cooler is functioning, it gives out an earthy smell, Mukesh added.
Mukesh said temperature can be reduced by 16 degrees with a clay cooler. The gases emitted from AC have a negative effect on the ozone layer, whereas the clay cooler will not have any negative effect on the environment, he added.
Haryana Tribune