What it does
Aquilo is a sustainable cooling system based on evaporative cooling, using a moistened textile and fan. Inspired by Egyptian wind towers and natural thermoregulation, it offers an affordable, energy-efficient solution for heat-stressed, low-income groups.
Your inspiration
While studying abroad, I had the great opportunity to visit Bedouin communities in Jordan. While staying in an area of extreme heat with limited resources, I noticed that they used water-filled clay pots to cool down the inside of their tents. This simple, passive cooling fascinated me. Research revealed similar techniques had been used for centuries, often in combination with wind towers. I was inspired by how traditional knowledge offers sustainable solutions to modern problems. The idea behind Aquilo was to reimagine these low-tech methods for today's climate challenges —affordable, efficient, and accessible to those most affected.
How it works
At the top of Aquilo sits an axial fan similar to those used in PC cases. This fan draws in warm air through a 3D mesh textile that has larger chambers to hold more water. The textile extends down into a water reservoir, which can be moistened and tensioned by a rotating mechanism. When the warm air passes through the wetted textile, it cools via evaporative cooling and is then expelled upwards as cooler air. Aquilo is intentionally designed to be mobile and compact: when not in use, it can be folded down to half its size for easy storage. The concept has been designed to be mobile, reflecting the question of how we will cool ourselves or our spaces in the future. Instead of cooling entire rooms, Aquilo provides targeted, localized cooling exactly where it’s needed—such as near the bed, workspace, or dining area. This focused approach enhances energy efficiency and offers a sustainable alternative to traditional air conditioning systems.
Design process
After an extensive research phase on the principle of evaporative cooling—both its historical use and presence in modern products—I began conducting empirical tests. I built a sealed box to simulate a room and heated it to approx. 30°C. To create warm airflow, I used an old PC case fan, and experimented with various water sources and storage methods. I tested different materials, ranging from clay vessels to numerous wet textiles with varying arrangements and surface structures. Using a thermometer, I recorded temperature drops of up to 4°C within minutes, with these effects remaining stable over longer periods. Based on these tests, I chose a 3D mesh textile due to its water capacity, ease of cleaning, and replaceability—advantages over traditional clay. With these findings, I first built a low-tech prototype using disposable materials: a Tetra Pak, PC fan, and old textile scraps. In parallel, I developed a refined version. A key challenge was how to moisten and tension the textile. I solved this with a specific arrangement of wire loops: when rotated into the reservoir, the structure compresses, then springs back to its original shape—creating the distinctive interaction of "twisting" into water. These functional discoveries shaped Aquilo’s final design.
How it is different
Aquilo sets itself apart through its minimal energy use and sustainable design. While traditional air conditioners account for around 10% of global electricity consumption, Aquilo runs on just 1.5 watts—thanks to its low-power axial fan—and emits no excess heat into the environment. Unlike most evaporative cooling products, Aquilo is designed for disassembly, repairability, and material recyclability, extending its product lifecycle. It’s also cost-efficient and accessible to a wide range of users. Its core idea—cooling only where people are actually located—breaks with the convention of cooling entire rooms. Aquilo’s unique interaction—twisting the body into a water reservoir—combines function and user engagement in a way unmatched by other products. The use of washable and replaceable textile mesh not only improves hygiene but also adds modular flexibility. Altogether, Aquilo rethinks personal climate control in a sustainable, human-centered way.
Future plans
The next steps for Aquilo include building additional prototypes to further improve the efficiency of evaporative cooling and enhance user experience. User testing will play a key role in identifying how people interact with the device and where optimizations are needed. Each component will be refined with a focus on simplifying production and preparing the design for potential industrial manufacturing. A key goal is to maintain affordability and repairability while scaling. Aquilo aims to offer a sustainable and democratic cooling solution—especially in the context of rising global temperatures and increasing energy consumption.
Awards
Cumulus Green 2024- Honorable Mention, Green Concept Award 2025- Finalist, aed- Neuland Award 2025- first prize
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