As India swelters under intensifying heatwaves, IIT Delhi unveils a game-changing smart air conditioner that could redefine energy efficiency in cooling technology. The lab-tested prototype from the Mechanical Engineering Department consumes up to one-third less electricity than conventional models, offering hope against skyrocketing power demands.
Experts predict that by 2038, India’s cooling sector will devour three times more electricity due to proliferating ACs in homes and offices. This surge threatens energy security and inflates consumer bills. IIT Delhi’s solution? A clever hybrid system integrating a desiccant module with vapor-compression tech.
Unlike old-school ACs that supercool air to remove moisture—a power-hungry method—this innovation employs a brine solution separated by a selective membrane. It soaks up airborne humidity directly, then self-regenerates using the machine’s exhaust heat, minimizing additional energy input.
Under Prof. Anurag Goyal’s guidance, with PhD scholar Anantakrishnan on board, the team has balanced energy transfer between modules for India’s diverse climates. Real-world simulations show power draw plummeting from 1,200 watts to 800 watts for standard room cooling, maintaining identical comfort levels.
Published in a leading engineering journal, this research paves the way for eco-friendly ACs tailored to Indian needs. With climate goals in sight, IIT Delhi’s breakthrough could cool homes sustainably, curbing emissions and costs alike.