Over this past weekend I was at a location that had what seemed like a continuous breeze blowing. It was fantastic. I was thinking about a grid-down event where the value of the breeze would be priceless. Especially after a hot day in the field working resources or maybe pulling a tour of duty doing security. Something popped in to my mind and I remembered reading how the Bangladeshi's created DIY air conditioners to reduce the room temp by about 10 degrees. I came across this information while building my preparedness library several years ago. You know, like the library you have been working on. Hint Hint. So, I wanted to share this very simple to do product with you.
This very cool DIY cooling system doesn't even require electricity and is built from a common waste item. What is it? Empty plastic soda bottles. They are called Eco Coolers and are in 25,000 homes currently across Bangladesh.
The Eco Cooler method is fairly simple, from a construction standpoint. A board is cut to fit the desired window, and bottleneck-sized holes are cut out in a grid pattern. The bottoms of empty plastic bottles are cut off and discarded, leaving funnel-shaped bottlenecks that are placed on the grid. That's all there is to the Eco Cooler, except for the task of installing it in place of the regular window. When mounted, the wider part of the bottles faces outward and catches the passing wind, literally funneling cool air into the building's interior.
The efficacy of the Eco Cooler varies widely based on conditions, but it is reported to have the ability to reduce indoor temperatures as much as 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, which is on par with what an electric centrally installed air conditioning system can do. In some instances the Eco Cooler can reduce indoor temperatures from a sweltering 86F (30C) to a comfortable 77F (25C).
Based on your location, you may wish to add some form of mesh screen over the outside end of the bottles to prevent insects from joining your family on the inside of your home.
Keep charging fellow Patriots.
