The Science
Engineering cooling
from first principles
TerraCool systems apply the thermodynamics of evaporative cooling through engineered terracotta — delivering measurable temperature reduction at a fraction of conventional cooling costs.
Process
How TerraCool works
STEP 01
Air Intake
Ambient hot air (40-45°C) enters through optimized intake vents designed to maximize airflow while minimizing resistance.
Cooling Delta
Power Draw
Coverage
Target Cost
Physics
Scientific principles
Evaporative Cooling
Phase change from liquid to vapor absorbs ~2,260 J/g of latent heat from surrounding air, producing the cooling effect.
Heat Transfer
Terracotta's high thermal mass enables sustained surface cooling, maintaining stable output even in fluctuating conditions.
Fluid Dynamics
Airflow geometry is engineered to maximize dwell time within the terracotta matrix, improving evaporation efficiency.
Porous Material Science
Clay composition is tuned for 40-45% porosity — balancing water transport capacity with structural integrity.
Passive Architecture
The system can operate with natural convection alone in moderate conditions, dropping power use to near zero.
Sustainable Manufacturing
Terracotta is sourced from local kilns using traditional methods, minimizing supply chain emissions.
Prototype
Performance specifications
Current prototype performance validated through controlled laboratory testing.
Cooling Delta
Temperature reduction from ambient
Power Draw
Peak — fan + control electronics
Coverage Area
Effective cooling per unit
Water Consumption
Varies with humidity
Noise Level
Library-equivalent sound level
Production Cost
Target at scale
Lifespan
Before terracotta replacement
CO₂ Equivalent
No refrigerants used