Proj E01- CoolStuff_cAIRE

Singapore’s Identified Problem

Singapore’s tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and temperature, presents a significant challenge for effective and affordable cooling solutions.

Traditional air conditioning units, while powerful, are energy-intensive and not ideal for smaller spaces.
Conventional fans, while affordable, offer limited relief from the heat as they rely on airflow, which does not provide any improvements in actual temperature and humidity.
Existing home-suitable evaporative coolers find their cooling performance significantly limited here due to the high humidity.

The global air cooler market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient and affordable cooling solutions. Therefore, Singapore, with its unique climate and high population density, presents a substantial market opportunity for innovative cooling solutions.

Value Proposition

A low ambient humidity is required for any conventional water evaporative air cooler to provide adequate cooling for human comfort, which is not present in Singapore’s climate. This is where most air coolers on the market fail.

cAIRE:

works under humid conditions
provides comfortable cooling
is modular, lightweight and portable
has a low base cost
is energy efficient

cAIRE's Iterations

Toggle through the image carousel to see cAIRE’s prototyping journey.

cAIRE's System Overview

The core of the proposed product consists of two subsystems:

A dehumidifier to remove moisture from the humid natural air
An evaporator, where the actual cooling practice takes place

Dehumidification

Evaporative Cooling

Evaporative Cooling and Dehumidification Simulation

Desiccant Layers:
- Hot and humid outside air passes directly through the desiccant medium which adsorbs the moisture.
- This prepares the air for cooling.

Fan:
- Provides dual air flow (in and out) of the device
Water Evaporative Cooling Pads:
- Hot dry air is drawn through water-soaked cooling pads
- As the air is pushed through these pads, the water evaporates and the heat in the air is absorbed
Reservoir:
- water supply for evaporative cooling process
Water Pump:
- Powers water movement for evaporative cooling process

Click Here to view Simulation

Achieving Energy Saving & Sustainability Goals

“cAIRE is not just cooling — it’s the future. Energy-saving. Sustainable. Revolutionary.”

cAIRE is revolutionary in the world of sustainability, as it provides efficient cooling while being greener and more sustainable than current cooling solutions. Comparisons with other systems, such as air conditioners, show staggering differences. For comfort cooling paired with humidifying properties, cAIRE offers a sustainable and energy-saving solution.

Modular, Lighweight & Portable

Feeling humid? Add more humidity modules!!!
Need better cooling?
Change to stronger cooling modules!!!

cAIRE’s modularity allows for flexible customization of cooling solutions. Its different subsystems offer distinct functionalities, enabling tailored configurations to suit your specific needs. This modular approach reduces maintenance costs unlike traditional cooling systems . All of this is made possible by cAIRE’s unique interlocking mechanisms between subsystems and well-integrated modules that complement each other seamlessly.

cAIRE features a lightweight yet strong and durable body that enhances its stability. The wheels at its base provide easy mobility, making it convenient to move around. Simple yet efficient, cAIRE offers modular cooling tailored to your customization needs.

Click Here to view User Assembly

Acknowledgements

Team cAIRE would like to express our sincere gratitude to our Instructor, Assistant Professor Malika Meghjani (CSD), and Writing Instructors Grace Kong and Bernard Tan for their invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout this project. Your support has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our two Business Mentors, Wee Jin Tan, SUTD Mentor-In-Residence, and Luke Wu, Managing Director, The GEAR by Kajima, for providing us with the resources and opportunities necessary for the successful completion of our project.

We are especially grateful to the capstone faculty and Lee Chee Soon Jason, Senior Venture Program & Op Manager, Ventures, Innovation & Ent, for their unwavering support, constructive feedback, and expertise. Your guidance has been a cornerstone in overcoming challenges and ensuring the quality of our work.

Our appreciation also goes out to the Singapore University of Technology and Design, without whom this project would have never been possible.

Finally, we would like to thank our fellow team members for their dedication, hard work, and seamless cooperation. This project is a testament to the collective effort and shared vision of our team.