How solar-powered AMBIATOR 5 AC cools ambient temperature by 10-15 degrees C

Hyderabad: The need for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solutions has never been more pressing given the fact that mercury is breaking new records across the globe

Waking up to climate change, Ambiator Private Limited has introduced the AMBIATOR 5 TR, a product designed to address the challenges of traditional air conditioning systems, particularly in regions with arid climates.

Newsmeter sat down with Jeeten Desai, founder of the AMBIATOR 5 TR to discuss the inspiration, technology, and vision driving this innovative cooling solution.

Q: How did you come up with the concept for the AMBIATOR 5 TR, and what inspired its development?

A: Our team has been working on affordable alternative cooling technologies for several decades. The concept for the AMBIATOR 5 TR emerged from a critical need to address the limitations of conventional air conditioning systems, especially in regions with extreme climates. We were inspired by the potential of solar energy to create a more sustainable, energy-efficient cooling solution that reduces electricity consumption and minimizes environmental impact. Our goal was to develop a product that delivers reliable cooling while being eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Q: Can you explain the technology behind the AMBIATOR 5 TR and how it achieves zero energy cooling using solar power?

A: The AMBIATOR 5 TR utilizes Dew Point Regenerative Cooling technology. We employ a heat exchanger to cool the ambient temperature by 10-15 degrees Celsius, followed by a mass exchanger that further reduces the temperature by another 5-10 degrees Celsius. The system consumes just 1 kW/hr for 5 tonnes of cooling, making it feasible to power with solar energy. With a 5 kW solar panel setup, the AMBIATOR 5 TR can operate 24/7 without additional power, making it a NetZero cooling solution.

Q: What are the key benefits of the AMBIATOR 5 TR compared to traditional air conditioning systems, particularly in arid climates?

A: The AMBIATOR 5 TR offers several advantages over traditional air conditioning systems, especially in arid climates. It significantly reduces energy consumption by harnessing solar power, leading to lower operational costs and reduced dependence on the grid. Unlike conventional systems that struggle in dry environments, the AMBIATOR 5 TR is designed to perform optimally in low-humidity conditions, providing consistent and efficient cooling without the environmental drawbacks associated with harmful refrigerants. Moreover, it enhances indoor air quality as it’s a 100% fresh air system, addressing concerns like refrigerant leaks and skin dryness.

Q: How does the AMBIATOR 5 TR ensure optimal air quality and humidity control, and why is this important for human comfort?

A: The AMBIATOR 5 TR is equipped with advanced filtration and humidity control technologies. These systems maintain humidity levels between 45-65%, which is ideal for human comfort, particularly in hot and dry conditions. This balance ensures that the air remains fresh and comfortable, contributing to overall well-being.

Q: The product claims to eliminate common issues associated with ACs, such as refrigerant leaks and skin dryness. Could you elaborate on how this is achieved?

A: The AMBIATOR 5 TR uses a closed-loop system with environmentally friendly cooling mediums, eliminating the risk of refrigerant leaks. The system employs an efficient heat exchanger and tap water as the refrigerant, maintaining humidity levels that prevent skin dryness. This approach not only improves indoor air quality but also ensures that the cooling process is safe and sustainable.

Q: Can you walk us through the installation process of the AMBIATOR 5 TR, and how it integrates with existing villa structures?

A: The installation of the AMBIATOR 5 TR is straightforward and adaptable. These outdoor systems require a 1-square-meter space for installation and an additional 1 square meter for servicing and maintenance. For villas, the unit can be installed on the roof or any floor with ducting that delivers fresh, filtered cool air to various spaces. Since there is no need for a return duct or indoor unit, the AMBIATOR 5 TR integrates seamlessly with villa designs. We often recommend cooling common areas first, with exhaust directed through the kitchen to eliminate odors.

Q: How does the app-based remote monitoring and control system work, and what benefits does it offer to users?

A: The AMBIATOR 5 TR features an app-based remote monitoring and control system that provides real-time access to performance data via a smartphone. Users can monitor temperature, energy usage, and system status, making adjustments remotely to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. This feature enhances user convenience offers better control over the indoor climate, and also helps in collecting weather data for future building designs.

Q: What challenges did you face during the development of the AMBIATOR 5 TR, and how did you overcome them?

A: One of the main challenges was optimizing the system to perform effectively in different climate conditions while maintaining energy efficiency. We overcame this through extensive research and development, testing various materials, and refining the design for durability and efficiency. It took us seven prototype units and two and a half years of development to reach the final product. Testing and iteration were key to overcoming these challenges and scaling our manufacturing processes.

Q: Ambiator Private Limited aims to create a healthy livable environment for a billion people on a warming planet. How does the AMBIATOR 5 TR fit into this broader vision?

A: Human thermal comfort is a growing challenge, and current technologies often exacerbate climate change rather than provide sustainable, affordable solutions. In India, the demand for cooling is projected to require 950 million units in the next 30 years, directly affecting 148 countries between 42 degrees north and south, where heatwaves are becoming more frequent. The AMBIATOR 5 TR fits into our broader vision by offering a positive Scope 4 platform that has a direct impact on energy use and CO2e avoidance. Our product provides a climate-appropriate solution that aligns with global sustainability goals.

Q: How do you see the market for eco-friendly cooling solutions evolving in the coming years, particularly in regions with arid climates?

A: The market for eco-friendly cooling solutions is expected to grow rapidly, especially in arid regions where the need for sustainable alternatives to traditional air conditioning is increasing. In India, the market penetration for cooling solutions is at 8%, but it’s growing at a 16% CAGR. As awareness of climate change and energy conservation increases, we anticipate that products like the AMBIATOR 5 TR will gain popularity, driving the adoption of green technologies across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Q: What strategies are you using to educate potential customers about the benefits of sustainable cooling solutions like the AMBIATOR 5 TR?

A: We are educating potential customers through our website, social media, offline events, and webinars. We provide detailed case studies and real-world examples that demonstrate the effectiveness of the AMBIATOR 5 TR. Additionally, we partner with environmental organizations and industry experts to spread awareness about the benefits of sustainable cooling and the long-term savings that can be achieved. We also gained unexpected attention from a Mumbai-based influencer who featured our story, leading to increased interest from across India and the GCC countries.

Customer Feedback and Affordability

Q: What has been the customer feedback so far, especially from families who prefer not to use traditional air conditioners?

A: Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from families seeking alternatives to traditional air conditioning. Users have reported significant energy savings, improved air quality, and enhanced comfort levels with the AMBIATOR 5 TR. Many customers appreciate the system’s eco-friendly design and its ability to provide effective cooling without the drawbacks of conventional ACs. We’ve received interest from across states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and soon Rajasthan.

Q: How do you balance the affordability of the AMBIATOR 5 TR with maintaining its high quality and effectiveness?

A: We achieve this balance by optimizing our production processes and sourcing high-quality materials that ensure durability and effectiveness. Steel, our primary raw material, is infinitely recyclable, contributing to CO2e mitigation. Quality is a core part of our approach, and we’ve worked closely with our vendors to ensure they adhere to our standards, implementing additional SOPs where necessary.

Q: Can you share any success stories or case studies where the AMBIATOR 5 TR has significantly improved the living conditions of its users?

A: We’ve had great success with a large real estate developer in Bangalore who adopted our solution as a paid pilot. After its success, we’re now expanding to Rajasthan. We’ve also implemented our technology in social projects like a skill development center and a leprosy center, showcasing how cooling solutions can have equitable benefits beyond urban centers. Additionally, we’ve installed the AMBIATOR 5 TR in a G+2 villa, demonstrating how it can be integrated into existing homes, which opens up new applications in residential communities, clubhouses, restaurants, and cafes.

Q: What are the plans for Ambiator Private Limited? Are there any new products or innovations in the pipeline?

A: Our medium-term goal is to develop a smaller unit suitable for rooms of 150-200 square feet. Our next platform, SpaceCool, will address all climatic zones and be launched in a smaller form factor. We’re also exploring a larger unit tailored to specific problem statements, which we are developing as part of joint development opportunities for paid pilots. These innovations will allow us to cater to a wider range of applications and environments, ensuring that our cooling solutions are adaptable to various needs while maintaining their sustainability and energy efficiency.

Q: Given the growing awareness of environmental sustainability, how do you plan to scale the adoption of the AMBIATOR 5 TR globally?

A: Our initial focus is on organic growth within the cities and states where we’re seeing the most interest. We’re building relationships with contractors, installation experts, distributors, and architects to expand our presence. In the medium term, we’re already noticing interest from Southeast Asian countries and the GCC region, and we’re exploring different strategies to enter these markets. Our approach is to establish a strong local presence while preparing for international expansion through partnerships and tailored market entry strategies.

Q: How do you measure the environmental impact of the AMBIATOR 5 TR, particularly in terms of energy savings and reduced carbon footprint?

A: We utilize an IoT device that collects data on energy consumption, which is crucial for measuring our environmental impact. For CO2e avoidance, we rely on a third-party verified data sheet that provides a baseline and tracks emissions avoided based on 4,000 hours of use per year. This data will be invaluable to asset owners of the AMBIATOR 5 TR, especially as carbon policies mature in different countries.

Q: In what ways do you see your product contributing to the global movement towards sustainable living and combating climate change?

A: The AMBIATOR 5 TR contributes significantly to the global movement toward sustainable living by providing a cooling solution that avoids CO2e emissions, accelerates NetZero targets, and reduces energy consumption for space cooling. Additionally, we’re educating the market on alternative cooling technologies and emphasizing the use of recycled materials, all while keeping a close eye on embodied carbon and Scope 3 emissions. Our product is not just about cooling; it’s about setting a new standard for how we approach climate control in a warming world.

Q: What role does innovation play in your company's approach to addressing the challenges of climate change?

A: Innovation is at the core of our strategy for addressing climate change. We continuously invest in research and development to create technologies that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible. Cooling presents several challenges, and we’re addressing these by developing smaller, more accessible units like the AMBIATOR for bedrooms, which represent a large market. In the medium term, we’re also working on a bioclimatic conditioned air system that will be effective across all climate zones, launched at a competitive price point but with superior energy efficiency.