Discover how ancient terracotta air coolers are making a comeback in India amid rising temperatures, offering sustainable cooling solutions for modern needs.
As temperatures in India reach unprecedented highs, ancient terracotta air coolers are proving to be an effective solution to combat the extreme heat. This traditional method, rooted in centuries-old practices, is inspiring innovative applications from cooling towers to architectural screens for buildings.
The Revival of Matka: An Ancient Cooling Technique
Nandita Iyer, a cookbook author and food blogger, turned to an old favorite, the matka, to stay cool during the scorching summer months. This terracotta pot, made of two types of clay, acts as a natural water cooler. Iyer, who dislikes refrigerated water due to sensitive teeth, found Matka's naturally cooled water comforting and reminiscent of her childhood in Mumbai.
"The matka keeps water just cool enough that it's comforting to sip on," says Iyer. "I remembered how nice this naturally chilled water would feel in the hot Mumbai summers growing up, so when Bengaluru weather started behaving like Mumbai, I decided to get a similar pot."
The matka's cooling mechanism is simple yet effective. When water fills the terracotta pot, it seeps into the pores. As the water evaporates, it draws out the heat from within the pot, cooling the remaining water. This technique has been used for centuries in India's rural areas, with records dating back to the Harappan civilization over 3,000 years ago.
Terracotta in Modern Cooling Solutions
As India faces relentless heatwaves, with Delhi recording temperatures as high as 52.3°C (126.1°F), the demand for cooling solutions is urgent. From 2019 to 2023, the average hourly power demand for air conditioning on hot days rose by 28%. This need has led to the resurgence of terracotta's ancient application in modern contexts.
Monish Siripurapu, founder and principal architect of CoolAnt, part of Ant Studios near New Delhi, has been at the forefront of this innovation. In 2014, Siripurapu was approached by an electronics manufacturer struggling with the heat generated by a diesel generator. Inspired by the matka's cooling properties, he designed a system where recycled water is pumped over terracotta structures. As the water evaporates from the terracotta’s pores, it cools the surrounding air.
"Keeping nature as the central focus in all my work, I wanted to explore emerging technologies," says Siripurapu. His innovative approach has revitalized the ancient practice, making it applicable in modern industrial and architectural settings.
Benefits and Future Prospects
Terracotta cooling solutions offer several advantages:
Energy Efficiency: Unlike electric air conditioners, terracotta coolers use minimal energy, making them an eco-friendly option.
Cost-Effectiveness: These systems are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain.
Sustainability: By using natural materials and processes, terracotta coolers reduce the carbon footprint associated with conventional cooling methods.
As India continues to grapple with extreme heat, the adoption of terracotta cooling systems is likely to grow. This ancient technology, combined with modern innovations, provides a sustainable solution to the country's pressing need for efficient cooling.
The ancient practice of using terracotta for cooling is experiencing a renaissance in India. As temperatures break records, these natural air coolers are being integrated into modern designs, offering an energy-efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solution to combat extreme heat.
With continued innovation, terracotta cooling systems could play a crucial role in addressing India's climate challenges.
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Source: BBC
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