TONY
Basic information
Project Title
TONY
Full project title
Refrigeration with evaporative cooling
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
A reimagining of the clay jug cooler method, TONY operates on the principle of evaporative cooling. The porous raku clay of the food container absorbs water from a reservoir and, through evaporation, lowers the interior temperature to a range of 13°C to 17°C, all without requiring electricity. This establishes ideal storage conditions for specific fruits, vegetables, and baked goods that are best stored outside of the refrigerator.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Germany
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
TONY is a reinterpretation of the clay jug cooler method, rooted in the principle of evaporative cooling, contributing to the development of a circular-oriented industrial ecosystem and supporting a lifecycle thinking approach. The individual clay coolers, available in three stackable sizes, are designed with a water tank, a food container, and a lid. This structure allows each clay cooler to operate independently, promoting mobility and ensuring an ample water supply for each unit.
The porous raku-clay, carefully chosen during intensive experiments, plays a pivotal role in TONY's design. It absorbs water from the tank optimal, and as it evaporates on the food container's walls, it effectively cools the interior to a temperature range of 13°C to 17°C. This design creates optimal storage conditions for selected fruits, vegetables, and baked goods that typically do not benefit from refrigerator storage, addressing the significant issue of avoidable food waste.
The user-friendly and straightforward design of TONY is crafted to encourage active engagement with food storage and to inform users about adopting more sustainable consumption practices, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.
Importantly, the development and production of TONY adhere to environmentally conscious practices. The raku-clay used in production, sourced from the Westerwald region, minimizes carbon emissions by avoiding long transportation routes.
Furthermore, TONY's production process is committed to energy efficiency. The clay coolers are fired at the lowest possible temperature of 1000 degrees, showcasing a dedication to minimizing energy consumption throughout the product's lifecycle. This approach not only supports the circular economy but also aligns with the broader concept of lifecycle thinking, emphasizing sustainability from the extraction of raw materials to the use of the product.
The porous raku-clay, carefully chosen during intensive experiments, plays a pivotal role in TONY's design. It absorbs water from the tank optimal, and as it evaporates on the food container's walls, it effectively cools the interior to a temperature range of 13°C to 17°C. This design creates optimal storage conditions for selected fruits, vegetables, and baked goods that typically do not benefit from refrigerator storage, addressing the significant issue of avoidable food waste.
The user-friendly and straightforward design of TONY is crafted to encourage active engagement with food storage and to inform users about adopting more sustainable consumption practices, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.
Importantly, the development and production of TONY adhere to environmentally conscious practices. The raku-clay used in production, sourced from the Westerwald region, minimizes carbon emissions by avoiding long transportation routes.
Furthermore, TONY's production process is committed to energy efficiency. The clay coolers are fired at the lowest possible temperature of 1000 degrees, showcasing a dedication to minimizing energy consumption throughout the product's lifecycle. This approach not only supports the circular economy but also aligns with the broader concept of lifecycle thinking, emphasizing sustainability from the extraction of raw materials to the use of the product.
Key objectives for sustainability
TONY align seamlessly with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) - Responsible Consumption and Production. This SDG emphasizes the need for sustainable practices throughout the life cycle of products, from their creation to their disposal.
TONY is based on the principle of evaporating cooling without electricity and creates an ideal storage environment for foods that on one hand a fridge is too cold for and that on the other spoil more quickly at room temperature.
Foods that spoil because of incorrect storage, especially fruit and vegetables, make up the majority of avoidable food waste. With TONY selected fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer than they would in the refrigerator or on the counter and food waste could be counteracted.
Neither the extraction of the raw materials, the production of TONY or the use of the product release any substances harmful to the environment. The Raku clay used in production is sourced from the Westerwald region of Germany, avoiding long transport routes and reducing CO2 emissions. Ceramics are made by firing a mixture of inorganic substances and are environmental friendly. After production, the clay coolers are fired at the lowest possible temperature of 1000 °C in order to consume a minimum of energy.
The TONY clay cooler is an object for daily use. Therefore, it is built sturdily to last a long time. However, if the cooler is no longer intact or functional, clay coolers can be recycled by grinding them into fireclay. The fireclay can then be incorporated into clay bodies for the manufacture of new coolers. This approach fosters a circular economy by ensuring the sustainable reuse of materials and minimizing waste in the lifecycle of the product.
TONY is based on the principle of evaporating cooling without electricity and creates an ideal storage environment for foods that on one hand a fridge is too cold for and that on the other spoil more quickly at room temperature.
Foods that spoil because of incorrect storage, especially fruit and vegetables, make up the majority of avoidable food waste. With TONY selected fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer than they would in the refrigerator or on the counter and food waste could be counteracted.
Neither the extraction of the raw materials, the production of TONY or the use of the product release any substances harmful to the environment. The Raku clay used in production is sourced from the Westerwald region of Germany, avoiding long transport routes and reducing CO2 emissions. Ceramics are made by firing a mixture of inorganic substances and are environmental friendly. After production, the clay coolers are fired at the lowest possible temperature of 1000 °C in order to consume a minimum of energy.
The TONY clay cooler is an object for daily use. Therefore, it is built sturdily to last a long time. However, if the cooler is no longer intact or functional, clay coolers can be recycled by grinding them into fireclay. The fireclay can then be incorporated into clay bodies for the manufacture of new coolers. This approach fosters a circular economy by ensuring the sustainable reuse of materials and minimizing waste in the lifecycle of the product.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The porous clay absorbs the water from the water tank and, as it evaporates, cools the interior to 13-17 °C. This creates an ideal storage environment for foods that on one hand a fridge is too cold for and that on the other spoil more quickly at room temperature.
Some fruit and vegetables are sensitive to cold and lose their flavor if stored in temperatures that are too low. The lower temperatures also inhibit post-ripening processes. Other fruits and vegetables just need to be stored gently.
Fruits and vegetables should generally be stored separately from each other. TONY is made up of a number of rectangular clay containers of different sizes that can be stacked on top of each other. Thus giving each group of produce its own place. Intensive experiments with different types of clay and clay mixtures have shown that a raku-clay and sand mixture absorbs water from the water tank best and produces an optimal cooling effect. Each clay container consists of a water tank, a food container and a lid. This has the advantage that each clay complex works independently and with it's own water supply. Watering is easy and uncomplicated from any side of the clay cooler. The surface of the outer wall is subtractively machined to increase the surface area. This allows more water to evaporate and the inside temperature to drop faster and further. As strong sunlight or standing next to a heat source can increase the internal temperature, a wooden construction allows the clay cooler to be placed flexibly in a convenient location in the household.
The straightforward and user-friendly design of TONY is intended to inspire users to reconsider their approach to food storage and become more informed about sustainable consumption practices.
Some fruit and vegetables are sensitive to cold and lose their flavor if stored in temperatures that are too low. The lower temperatures also inhibit post-ripening processes. Other fruits and vegetables just need to be stored gently.
Fruits and vegetables should generally be stored separately from each other. TONY is made up of a number of rectangular clay containers of different sizes that can be stacked on top of each other. Thus giving each group of produce its own place. Intensive experiments with different types of clay and clay mixtures have shown that a raku-clay and sand mixture absorbs water from the water tank best and produces an optimal cooling effect. Each clay container consists of a water tank, a food container and a lid. This has the advantage that each clay complex works independently and with it's own water supply. Watering is easy and uncomplicated from any side of the clay cooler. The surface of the outer wall is subtractively machined to increase the surface area. This allows more water to evaporate and the inside temperature to drop faster and further. As strong sunlight or standing next to a heat source can increase the internal temperature, a wooden construction allows the clay cooler to be placed flexibly in a convenient location in the household.
The straightforward and user-friendly design of TONY is intended to inspire users to reconsider their approach to food storage and become more informed about sustainable consumption practices.
Key objectives for inclusion
The TONY product emerged with the primary goal of providing a versatile solution that addresses the storage needs of average Central European households, offering a middle ground between traditional refrigeration and room temperature storage. This conceptualization was driven by a desire to create a product that seamlessly integrates into the daily lives of households in the region.
What sets TONY apart is its self-sufficiency – a distinctive feature that distinguishes it from conventional cooling methods. By design, Tony operates without reliance on infrastructure, making it an appealing option for areas and target demographics that may lack access to consistent electricity or running water. This characteristic not only broadens its applicability but also positions it as a practical solution in diverse environments, including those with limited resources.
Moreover, TONY's adaptability to different outdoor temperatures, once watered, enhances its functionality across various climatic conditions.
In addition to its technical attributes, TONY's modularity and flexibility are designed with inclusivity in mind. The product can be easily adapted to meet the specific needs of individuals with physical limitations, contributing to a more accessible and user-friendly use. This consideration for diverse user requirements aligns with the broader aim of ensuring that TONY is a solution for a wide range of people, irrespective of their physical capabilities.
In essence, TONY transcends being a mere storage solution; it embodies a thoughtful approach to inclusivity, adaptability, and sustainability, making it a viable and accessible option for a diverse array of environments and user demographics.
What sets TONY apart is its self-sufficiency – a distinctive feature that distinguishes it from conventional cooling methods. By design, Tony operates without reliance on infrastructure, making it an appealing option for areas and target demographics that may lack access to consistent electricity or running water. This characteristic not only broadens its applicability but also positions it as a practical solution in diverse environments, including those with limited resources.
Moreover, TONY's adaptability to different outdoor temperatures, once watered, enhances its functionality across various climatic conditions.
In addition to its technical attributes, TONY's modularity and flexibility are designed with inclusivity in mind. The product can be easily adapted to meet the specific needs of individuals with physical limitations, contributing to a more accessible and user-friendly use. This consideration for diverse user requirements aligns with the broader aim of ensuring that TONY is a solution for a wide range of people, irrespective of their physical capabilities.
In essence, TONY transcends being a mere storage solution; it embodies a thoughtful approach to inclusivity, adaptability, and sustainability, making it a viable and accessible option for a diverse array of environments and user demographics.
How Citizens benefit
Given that the project is intentionally tailored for a wide-ranging audience, the conception phase did not actively involve direct consultations with the target group or a specific segment thereof. Instead, the engagement during this phase primarily encompassed experts well-versed in the materiality and production processes relevant to the project.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
In contrast to traditional refrigeration methods, TONY operates in an electricity-free manner, harnessing the principles of evaporative cooling. Its functionality is contingent upon the presence of water, ensuring a reliable cooling process. TONY plays a pivotal role in creating a storage solution for carefully selected foods that, until now, lacked an optimal storage locale within private households.
The development of TONY involved a meticulous examination of the material properties of clay and various clay types. This intensive exploration sets TONY apart from comparable projects, showcasing a refined selection of materials. The choice of raku-clay for the clay cooler is particularly noteworthy, as it is distinguished by its inherent porosity, contributing to an optimal cooling effect.
What makes TONY environmentally commendable is its exclusive use of natural clay material in its construction. This not only aligns with sustainability objectives but also facilitates straightforward recycling processes. For instance, the clay cooler can be easily repurposed into new iterations, exemplifying an eco-friendly approach to cooling solutions.
The development of TONY involved a meticulous examination of the material properties of clay and various clay types. This intensive exploration sets TONY apart from comparable projects, showcasing a refined selection of materials. The choice of raku-clay for the clay cooler is particularly noteworthy, as it is distinguished by its inherent porosity, contributing to an optimal cooling effect.
What makes TONY environmentally commendable is its exclusive use of natural clay material in its construction. This not only aligns with sustainability objectives but also facilitates straightforward recycling processes. For instance, the clay cooler can be easily repurposed into new iterations, exemplifying an eco-friendly approach to cooling solutions.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
In my project, I conducted both experimental and scientific investigations focused on the material clay and the optimal storage of selected foods. The project commenced with an extensive digital and analog research phase, delving into aspects such as the properties of clay, clay jug coolers, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and methods of food storage.
To deepen my understanding and obtain a more holistic perspective on clay as a material, I reached out to the Stephan Schmidt Group, a family-owned company with over 75 years of experience in clay mining in the Westerwald region. The Westerwald, home to one of the world's largest clay deposits, became a crucial site for my exploration.
Further enriching my insights, I collaborated with Gudrun Quincke, a master tiled stove builder and proprietor of a workshop specializing in fireplaces, stoves, and architectural ceramics in Essen Werden. Seeking guidance on the appropriate type of clay for constructing a clay cooler, I drew upon her expertise. Through this collaboration, I gained valuable knowledge in material processing, enabling me to conduct experiments on materiality and surface. This knowledge, coupled with ongoing research and scientific inquiry, informed the development of sketches, mock-ups, prototypes, and ultimately culminated in the final design.
To deepen my understanding and obtain a more holistic perspective on clay as a material, I reached out to the Stephan Schmidt Group, a family-owned company with over 75 years of experience in clay mining in the Westerwald region. The Westerwald, home to one of the world's largest clay deposits, became a crucial site for my exploration.
Further enriching my insights, I collaborated with Gudrun Quincke, a master tiled stove builder and proprietor of a workshop specializing in fireplaces, stoves, and architectural ceramics in Essen Werden. Seeking guidance on the appropriate type of clay for constructing a clay cooler, I drew upon her expertise. Through this collaboration, I gained valuable knowledge in material processing, enabling me to conduct experiments on materiality and surface. This knowledge, coupled with ongoing research and scientific inquiry, informed the development of sketches, mock-ups, prototypes, and ultimately culminated in the final design.
Methodology used
Due to the escalating costs of energy and the significant contribution of fruits, vegetables, and baked goods to avoidable food waste, the initiation of the project was preceded by an extensive research phase focused on electricity-free cooling methods and the optimal storage of selected foods. This research honed in on the cooling process employing the principle of evaporative cooling, specifically utilizing clay as a key medium. The scientific understanding was deepened through on-site visits to a clay pit and engaging in insightful conversations with experts in ceramic manufacturing.
This immersive experience inspired me to delve into experiments exploring various types of clay and surface treatments. The insights gained from these experiments, combined with continuous dialogue with ceramic manufacturers and ongoing research endeavors, facilitated the evolution of the project from initial sketches to the development of detailed mock-ups. This iterative process ultimately culminated in the creation of the final design.
The collaborative exchange with ceramic experts and the meticulous research undertaken not only enriched the project but also contributed to a holistic approach, ensuring that the final design not only addressed the practical aspects of electricity-free cooling but also aligned with sustainable and environmentally friendly principles.
This immersive experience inspired me to delve into experiments exploring various types of clay and surface treatments. The insights gained from these experiments, combined with continuous dialogue with ceramic manufacturers and ongoing research endeavors, facilitated the evolution of the project from initial sketches to the development of detailed mock-ups. This iterative process ultimately culminated in the creation of the final design.
The collaborative exchange with ceramic experts and the meticulous research undertaken not only enriched the project but also contributed to a holistic approach, ensuring that the final design not only addressed the practical aspects of electricity-free cooling but also aligned with sustainable and environmentally friendly principles.
How stakeholders are engaged
As the project is intentionally designed to cater to a diverse audience, the conception phase did not actively include direct consultations with various stakeholders at different levels.
Instead, the participation during this phase mainly involved collaborating with experts who possess specialized knowledge in the materiality and production processes relevant to the project.
Instead, the participation during this phase mainly involved collaborating with experts who possess specialized knowledge in the materiality and production processes relevant to the project.
Global challenges
TONY serves as a catalyst for the responsible and sustainable management of our Earth's limited resources, addressing the entire spectrum from resource extraction and production to final usage. Its fundamental composition, characterized by the use of clay, not only establishes TONY as an environmentally friendly solution but also ensures the safety of stored food items. By specifically selecting foods like fruits, vegetables, and baked goods for storage in the clay cooler under optimal conditions, TONY actively contributes to the reduction of food waste, promoting a more sustainable approach to consumption.
Moreover, in a demonstration of its commitment to the circular economy, if the cooler is no longer intact or functional, clay coolers can be recycled by grinding them into fireclay. The fireclay can then be incorporated into clay bodies for the manufacture of new coolers. This shows Tony's dedication to minimizing its environmental footprint and fostering a closed-loop system.
Beyond its physical attributes, Tony aspires to be an educational force, aiming to empower consumers with knowledge about sustainable consumption practices. By raising awareness and providing information on responsible food cooling methods, TONY seeks to inspire individuals to actively engage in environmentally conscious behaviors, thereby fostering a community of conscious consumers committed to making informed and sustainable choices.
Moreover, in a demonstration of its commitment to the circular economy, if the cooler is no longer intact or functional, clay coolers can be recycled by grinding them into fireclay. The fireclay can then be incorporated into clay bodies for the manufacture of new coolers. This shows Tony's dedication to minimizing its environmental footprint and fostering a closed-loop system.
Beyond its physical attributes, Tony aspires to be an educational force, aiming to empower consumers with knowledge about sustainable consumption practices. By raising awareness and providing information on responsible food cooling methods, TONY seeks to inspire individuals to actively engage in environmentally conscious behaviors, thereby fostering a community of conscious consumers committed to making informed and sustainable choices.
Learning transferred to other parties
The use of TONY could find broad applications both locally and user-specifically, as the cooling and proper storage of food can appeal to a wide audience.
Keywords
clay cooler
evaporative cooling
food storage / food refrigeration
environmentally friendly
sustainability
