|Digital Matter
|Regulate
Chitosan as the future of water filtration system
|Team
Alisa Iureva, Madhavi Ojha, Vinay Prabhakar, Harsh Vora
|Faculty
Areti Markopoulou, David Andres Leon, Raimund Krenmueller, Nikol Kirova
|Project year
2019-20
The global climate is undergoing significant temperature shifts, with many regions transitioning into higher temperature zones, signaling a potential rise of 4-5 degrees if current trends persist. This shift poses a serious health hazard, heightened by the substantial contribution of HVAC systems to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating temperature increases. The primary objective of the research project Regulate is to pioneer a passive evaporative cooling system specifically designed for building envelopes. This innovation aims to augment thermal comfort in semi-arid, tropical, and Mediterranean climates, where extreme temperatures are prevalent.
The aim of this research is to develop a passive evaporative cooling system for building envelopes to enhance thermal comfort in semi-arid, tropical and mediterranean climates.
The project’s core objective is to innovate a noise reduction system distinct from typical barriers by integrating various porous materials. The selection criteria prioritize sustainability, noise absorption, durability, and lightweight properties. Cork and lichen were chosen for their specific acoustic traits, absorbing diverse frequency ranges of noise. The materials involved primarily include cork, lichen, and plywood, strategically combined to pioneer a forward-looking sound dampening solution.
The research focused on material studies to find the ideal substance, emphasizing hydrogels for their potential in managing water flow. Iterative experiments highlighted the hexagonal geometric option, enhancing water flow and maximizing surface area contact with airflow in the brick structure. This strategic approach aimed to boost evaporative cooling, crucial for passive cooling. Meticulous selection identified the hexagonal design for its efficient water flow and enhanced airflow exposure, vital for effective thermal regulation within the brick structure.
The fabrication process evolved beyond casting to incorporate 3D printing, aiming to assess the behavior and optimize the geometry of the design. The focus was on infill patterns and aligning them with the requirements for passive cooling, maximizing water flow, airflow, and shading effects. Various explorations were conducted, emphasizing the separation of water flow channels and air pathways. The design strategically incorporated hydrogel chambers to regulate water speed and enable longer contact time. Additionally, openings were positioned in shaded wall regions to prevent air overheating during intake, ensuring an effective cooling process.
