Heat is India’s new normal, driving up AC sales and electricity consumption to alarming levels. Enter IIT Delhi’s latest innovation: a high-efficiency smart air conditioner currently undergoing rigorous lab trials, poised to reduce power usage by approximately 33%.
The Ministry of Environment’s India Cooling Action Plan forecasts a tripling of cooling-related energy needs by 2037-38, straining resources and wallets. IIT Delhi researchers are countering this with a smart hybrid AC that smartly manages humidity without the energy waste of traditional overcooling.
At its core is a salt-based desiccant solution that captures moisture through a thin barrier membrane, preventing contamination of indoor air. The genius lies in regeneration: waste heat from the outdoor unit dries the solution, recycling energy that would otherwise be lost.
Prof. Anurag Goyal’s team, including key PhD researcher Anantakrishnan, has optimized the system for variable Indian weather. In tests, it achieves room comfort equivalent to a 1,200-watt standard AC but at just 800 watts—a 33% efficiency gain.
This isn’t just lab theory; it’s a practical fix for sustainable cooling in buildings nationwide. Featured in the Journal of Building Engineering, the study underscores IIT Delhi’s role in pioneering tech that fights climate change while keeping Indians cool and costs down.