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And now, a refrigerator that runs without electricity
Thursday, 08 July 2004, 19:30 IST |
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WANKANER (GUJARAT): For all those who dream of owning a refrigerator but cannot afford it due to its high cost and the electricity bills it runs up, here comes a down to earth solution.
After two years of experimenting, Mansukhbhai Prajapati, a potter from Wankaner town in Rajkot district, 200 km from the state's principal city of Ahmedabad, has designed a refrigerator that not only comes at an affordable price - but also runs without electricity.
Made entirely from clay, the refrigerator keeps water cool as also fruits, vegetables and milk fresh for days - and retains their original taste, too, Prajapati claims.
Christened "Mitti (mud) Cool", the refrigerator has two large water tanks at the top and bottom that cool the sides in the same manner as clay pots, or 'matkas', keep water cool in summer.
The upper portion of the refrigerator can store about 20 litres of water, while the bottom cabinet has separate space for storing fruits, vegetables and milk.
The natural cooling process inside the refrigerator can keep vegetables and fruits fresh for around seven days, while milk can be preserved for three days, the inventor says.
"Though fridge has now become one of the basic requirements, its high cost prevents poor and lower middle class people from buying the product," Prajapati told IANS.
"Added to this are the maintenance cost and electricity bill. Instead, the fridge I have designed requires only one time investment and does not require any maintenance," he said.
Priced at just around 
3,000 (about $65), the product has a number of advantages over a conventional refrigerator, according to Prajapati.
Apart from saving on electricity bill, the new device also better preserves the original taste of fruits and vegetables, he added.
Prajapati has been flooded with inquiries about his invention. He is hopeful it will not only help in fulfilling the needs of the lower middle class but will also serve as an inspiration for inventing other products that can save electricity.
Prajapati had designed a clay water filter.
"Most of the Saurashtra region has hard water. Drinking hard water leads to many waterborne diseases. The clay filter, to a large extent, removes impurities in hard water and can help in solving water-related health problems," said Prajapati.
The clay filter is selling like hot cakes in local markets and he is hopeful of the same response for his clay refrigerator.
Source: IANS
3,000 (about $65), the product has a number of advantages over a conventional refrigerator, according to Prajapati.
Apart from saving on electricity bill, the new device also better preserves the original taste of fruits and vegetables, he added.
Prajapati has been flooded with inquiries about his invention. He is hopeful it will not only help in fulfilling the needs of the lower middle class but will also serve as an inspiration for inventing other products that can save electricity.
Prajapati had designed a clay water filter.
"Most of the Saurashtra region has hard water. Drinking hard water leads to many waterborne diseases. The clay filter, to a large extent, removes impurities in hard water and can help in solving water-related health problems," said Prajapati.
The clay filter is selling like hot cakes in local markets and he is hopeful of the same response for his clay refrigerator.
Source: IANS