Eco-Cocoon

What it does

A mobile, plug-and-play cooling pod that delivers low-cost, energy-efficient comfort using just a 0.2-ton A/C. It offers an affordable alternative to traditional air conditioning by targeting only the area that needs cooling, saving space, energy, and money.

Your inspiration

Born and raised in India, I’ve seen how families with limited resources cope with rising heat. On a recent visit, I saw people suffering during a heatwave, unable to afford an A/C or manage high electricity bills. After this experience, I explored how other countries were affected and found widespread issues with access to cooling, from Africa to Southeast Asia and even hospitals in developed nations. These insights and experiences, combined with my background as a refrigeration engineer, inspired me to utilize my expertise in designing EcoCocoon - a focused, practical solution to this growing challenge.

How it works

Traditional air conditioners waste energy cooling entire rooms, including unnecessary heat-retaining items like stone floors, iron furniture, and metal wardrobes. These act as heat sinks, increasing load and cost. In small homes, often studio-like layouts, installing a full AC is impractical, and cooling the entire space would require 1-2 tons of AC. But typically, only a small zone, like around a bed, needs cooling. EcoCocoon solves this by creating a localized cooling environment just around a queen-sized or hospital bed. This drastically reduces energy consumption and cost. It uses a compact 0.2-ton AC and transparent enclosure panels to contain and direct cooled air. The extracted heat is vented into the same room, eliminating outdoor exhaust needs or vented out by an attachable hose, making it mobile, easy to install, and energy efficient. It’s ideal for households, hospitals, disaster relief camps, and any place where full-room AC is costly or unfeasible.

Design process

A significant portion of the design process focused on researching the refrigeration capacity required to cool an enclosed 600 cubic feet volume around a bed. Multiple thermal load analyses confirmed that a 0.2–0.5 ton AC unit was sufficient for this targeted zone, dramatically reducing energy use compared to a conventional 2-ton AC. One of the most critical stages was component selection, particularly identifying a small, cost-efficient compressor that could effectively deliver the required cooling capacity. Affordability was a core priority—the system was engineered to cost around $100, making it viable for everyday households. Early concepts focused only on a queen-size bed area, but after iterative calculations and tests, the enclosure was optimized to provide slightly more breathable space without compromising cooling efficiency. Portability and modularity were crucial: every component- frame, panels, and AC mount was made detachable using lightweight connectors, bolts, and clips, ensuring easy setup and transportation. This allows the EcoCocoon to be used in various terrains, including rural or rugged, off-grid environments. Every design iteration emphasized cost, efficiency, and real-world usability.

How it is different

There are other portable air conditioners on the market, but most are built for niche uses like tents or RVs, not for long-term comfort in everyday living spaces. Products like the EcoFlow Wave 3 cost around $1,000, which is way more expensive for daily use. EcoCocoon is different; it’s not engineered for aesthetics or luxury, but for impact and accessibility. While commercial products are heavily designed with robust shells, premium finishes, or advanced interfaces, EcoCocoon focuses on solving a real-world problem, offering targeted cooling using only 0.2–0.5 ton capacity at a fraction of the cost. Every component is chosen for efficiency, affordability, and simplicity. It’s a purpose-driven design that prioritizes essential function, sustainability, and reach, especially for those who need it most.

Future plans

In the future, we aim to develop a solar-powered, battery-supported EcoCocoon to ensure uninterrupted cooling in areas with power instability. We also plan to explore glass enclosures for urban use, adding aesthetic value at a modest cost. The design will become more modular, enabling integration into ambulances, fire engines, or emergency response vehicles.

Awards