Clay pot cooler

This solution was shared by Eric Verploegen CoolVeg , 03 July 2023

Print date: 14 April 2024 10:20

Description of the innovative solution

Low-cost, locally available, simple, inexpensive, horticulture

Clay pot coolers are simple and inexpensive technologies that can be made with locally available materials and do not require electricity to operate. By providing a cool humid environment, clay pot coolers can improve the shelf life of many common fruits and vegetables in dry regions. Clay pot coolers work through the evaporation of water, providing a stable cool and humid environment that is well-suited for storing most fruits and vegetables for longer periods of time. Because clay pot coolers are cooled through the evaporation of water, they work best in hot and dry climates that allow water to evaporate. If used properly, clay pot coolers provide many benefits, including reduced food waste, time and money saved, and increased availability and consumption of nutritious fruits and vegetables. There are two primary types of clay pot coolers: clay pot-in-pot and clay pot-in-dish. The clay pot-in-pot design uses an outer clay pot with a large opening that can accommodate the inner pot. This design typically offers better performance. On the other hand, the clay pot-in-dish design utilizes a plastic, metal, or clay dish or basin as the outer vessel. This design is easier to make and utilizes widely available materials. Both designs feature a clay pot as the inner vessel and a jute sack or cloth cover. Overall, clay pot coolers provide a practical and effective solution for preserving fresh produce, particularly in hot and arid climates.

Supply chain segment

Handling, storage and transport/distribution Wholesale, markets and retail Consumers Waste Educational, outreach and empowerment aspects

Maturity level

Moving to scale

Criteria

Food quality Food safety Food availability Food affordability Food desirability Climate adaptation Water use

SDG target

SDG 2: Zero Hunger SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Context

Urban Peri-urban Rural other

Examples and additional resources

Real-world examples

See this solution in action in different contexts and settings around the world

Additional resources

Learn more about this solution through studies, articles, business cases, and other information

Cooling technology evaluation in Mali
Scientific paper
The performance of clay pot coolers and other low-cost cooling technologies was evaluated with temperature/humidity sensors and user interviews.
Shared by Eric Verploegen MIT D-Lab
Heat and mass transfer model
Scientific paper
A heat and mass transfer model was developed that predicts the thermal performance and water consumption of clay pot coolers.
Shared by Eric Verploegen MIT D-Lab
Assembling, using, and maintaining clay-pot-coolers
Other
A simple and practical guide for assembling, using, and maintaining clay pot coolers, available in 8 languages
Shared by Eric Verploegen MIT D-Lab
6-year project summary report
Report
Overview of clay pot cooler performance research, user research, shelf-life measurements, and dissemination efforts in Mali from 2016-2021.
Shared by Eric Verploegen MIT D-Lab
Training program outcomes and impacts
Impact asssessment or evaluation
A report detailing the outcomes and impacts of a clay pot cooler training program in Mali.
Shared by Eric Verploegen MIT D-Lab
Clay pot cooler overview video
Other
Overview of clay pot coolers for fruit and vegetable preservation. Covers technology background, assembly, performance, and training programs for dissemination.
Shared by Eric Verploegen MIT D-Lab
Agrilinks blog post
News article, popular press or blog post
Reducing household food waste and improving nutrition with simple clay pot cooler technologies.
Shared by Eric Verploegen MIT D-Lab
Engineering for Change blog post
News article, popular press or blog post
Clay Pot Coolers: Keep Produce Fresh Without Electricity
Shared by Eric Verploegen MIT D-Lab
USAID/Medium blog
News article, popular press or blog post
The off-grid fruit and vegetable refrigerator in Mali: Improving nutrition through clay pot coolers
Shared by Eric Verploegen MIT D-Lab

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