Mukesh Kumar, a research scholar from the Mechanical Engineering Department at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal, has developed an innovative clay-based cooler that uses only half the electricity of conventional air coolers. This eco-friendly invention has now been granted a patent by the Central Government’s Patent Office.
The energy-efficient cooler was developed under the guidance of Prof. Amit Sharma, Associate Professor in the same department. The project was recently recognized at the university, where Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prakash Singh honored both Mukesh Kumar and Prof. Sharma for their contribution to sustainable technology.
Prof. Singh highlighted the importance of research in enhancing the academic standing of universities and praised the clay cooler as an initiative aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, especially those focusing on affordable and clean energy solutions.
This innovation not only represents a step forward in green technology but also holds socio-economic promise. By involving traditional potter communities in the production process, it can potentially improve their livelihoods and create new employment opportunities. The biodegradable nature of the cooler ensures it leaves no harmful residue, contributing positively to environmental sustainability.
Describing the project as a blend of innovation and environmental responsibility, Prof. Sharma said the cooler utilizes the natural cooling properties of soil to deliver efficiency and eco-friendliness. He also emphasized its potential to support the government’s Make in India campaign by fostering domestic innovation and production.
The development of the cooler involved extensive testing and experimentation. Mukesh Kumar collected soil samples from various states. After rigorous trials, soil from Sohna, Haryana, was selected as the most suitable material. Despite facing over a hundred failed attempts, Kumar’s persistence paid off with a working model that is both practical and environmentally conscious.
This breakthrough demonstrates how traditional materials, combined with modern engineering, can lead to sustainable solutions with real-world impact.