BeyondBooks: ‘I am grateful for my teachers’ guidance’

He was conferred with an award for his brilliant innovation, the sustainable hybrid cooler. His project successfully merged eco-conscious design with practical utility and was recognised under the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research Award, popularly known as the INSPIRE Award. Meet Ved Agarwal, a student of Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad, who is, at present, in Class XI.

In a candid interview, this non-medical student, who aspires to become an engineer, talks about his invention.

What sparked your interest in developing a sustainable hybrid cooler?

From a very young age, I have had a strong interest in practical, science-based learning and understanding how machines around me work. The idea of the hybrid cooler was not sudden. I had been thinking about the large gap between modern air conditioners and traditional cooling systems like fans and desert coolers. I felt there could be an intermediate solution that balances technology and affordability.

Explain how this hybrid cooler works.

The base model was a regular desert cooler. It combines the technologies of modern air conditioners and traditional desert coolers. The base design is similar to a desert cooler, but several modifications were made. It has an advanced duct system. Out of the six sides, one side releases cool air into the room, while another side is connected to a duct linked to a ventilator installed on the roof.

The cooler has a compressor installed beneath it, which further cools the air taken in from the atmosphere. It uses an eco-friendly hydrofluorocarbon coolant, which is efficient and contributes to earning carbon credits.

What is the principle?

The basic principle is that cool air is released into the room, and once it absorbs heat, it rises. This air is warmer than the room air but still cooler than the outside atmosphere. The ventilator draws this relatively cooler air back into the system. Since the air being reused is already cooler than outdoor air, the system consumes less energy to cool it again.

What were the main challenges?

The project involved several technical elements, including compressor installation, selection of an eco-friendly coolant, thermostats, and an efficient duct and ventilation system. The biggest challenge was making the two-way air intake work effectively. Unlike air conditioners or desert coolers, this system drew air from both indoors and outdoors, which required careful design and testing.

How did this challenge help you learn beyond what is taught in the classroom?

This experience deepened my understanding of how machines work in real life, while teaching me patience, problem solving, and creative thinking, and allowing me to explore physics and mechanics beyond classroom learning.

What kind of guidance did you receive from the school/parents?

I am grateful to my teachers for giving me this opportunity. My science teachers guided me throughout the process and helped correct mistakes whenever I discussed the idea with them. I also received strong support from my father, who is an architect. His practical knowledge helped refine my initial idea into a workable model.