Brazil.
A group of students from the School of Economics and Business (ISAE), in Curitiba, developed an "individual differentiated air conditioning controller device".
"The objective of the project is mainly to provide greater comfort and the consequent increase in productivity in offices and other collective spaces. "The idea is to obtain a harmonious and at the same time functional result for those who want an intensity of greater airflow aimed at themselves," explains Fernando Dondeo, one of the two inventors responsible for the product.
The ordinary fight over the ideal air conditioning temperature is a reality in many corporate environments around the world. Even though the average human body temperature is about 36°C, the medium and speed with which each body warms up are different, making some people feel colder than others.
The variables are many. According to a survey conducted by Maastricht University, the Netherlands, the biggest difference in ambient temperature is between men and women because men produce more heat due to the higher proportion of body mass. In addition, it is also necessary to consider the size of the physical space, the construction characteristics, the type of lighting used, the age distribution and the model of most of the occupants of the common clothing of the site.
The device works by using diffusers that can move in all directions, opening and closing, similar to what exists in vehicles and aircraft. The ducts that power the system can be connected vertically or horizontally to a main air conditioning outlet in the environment. With the support of ISAE Business, the group sought to contribute to sustainable initiatives and developed the product focused on meeting the requirements for LEED certification for green buildings and supporting companies focused on HVAC and air circulation projects. "Now, with the product already registered in the INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property), we are looking for investors to make production and marketing viable," adds Fernando.
