In a bold move against India’s escalating cooling crisis, IIT Delhi is prototyping a smart AC that dramatically cuts electricity consumption. This energy-smart unit, developed by mechanical engineers, is in lab testing and could transform how we beat the heat without burning through power.
With temperatures climbing and AC penetration rising, government reports predict cooling will triple energy use by late 2030s, exacerbating environmental stress and bill shocks. IIT Delhi’s response is a hybrid cooling system that directly dehumidifies air using a membrane-separated salt solution.
Traditional ACs expend massive energy overcooling to dehumidify; this design absorbs moisture efficiently and regenerates the absorbent with the unit’s own waste heat—no extra gadgets needed. The result? Seamless integration of desiccant and compression tech for optimal performance.
Led by Prof. Anurag Goyal and PhD student Anantakrishnan, the prototype slashes power from 1,200 watts to 800 watts for typical room cooling, ensuring 33% savings without compromising comfort. Tailored for India’s climates, it promises broad scalability.
Highlighted in the Journal of Building Engineering, this work supports national sustainability drives. As heatwaves intensify, IIT Delhi’s smart AC stands ready to deliver affordable, green cooling to millions.