Can you imagine a refrigerator that uses no electricity to store fruits, vegetables and other foods? The truth is that there is an invention that does just that, and while it’s not intended to replace classic refrigerators in homes, it is proof that one of the most energy-hungry appliances can also be environmentally friendly. His name is Tony and he’s kind of… clay modular refrigerator which works without electricity and allows you to generate temperatures from 13 to 17 °C.
Tony was created by inventor and industrial designer Lea Lorenz and is inspired by traditional clay jug refrigerators. This refrigerator is actually made from this material due to its porosity and ability to absorb water, although Ceramics are processed using the Raku technique. which consists of firing clay at a temperature of about 1000 degrees.
The refrigerator also has different compartments, which in turn have a container for storing food and base that serves as a water reservoir. You just need to place each part on the shelf and pour cold water into the container for the product to start working. According to the creator, “the porous raku clay absorbs water from the reservoir and, as it evaporates on the walls of the food container, cools the inside by 13–17 °C.”
Not only is the refrigerator environmentally friendly, but so is its production.
Although the refrigerator saves a significant amount of energy since it does not require electricity, it is not only the appliance itself that is eco-friendly. As is its production, as well as the extraction of raw materials. Lorenz is essentially saying that none of the processes involved in creating this type of refrigerator release harmful substances into the environment.
Neither Tony’s production, nor the extraction of raw materials, nor the use of the product emit harmful substances into the environment. Intensive experiments with different types of clay during preparation showed that a mixture of raku, clay and sand absorbs water from the water tank best and has an optimal cooling effect. After production, clay cauldrons are fired at the lowest possible temperature – 1000 degrees, in order to consume a minimum of energy.
Another interesting fact: the refrigerator Tony is reusable. That is, if one of the compartments breaks or gets damaged, they can be recycled by being crushed “into fire clay and reintegrated into clay to make new refrigerators.”
Source: Hiper Textual
