No AC needed? Japan’s new human refrigerator offers instant relief from scorching heat
New Delhi: As heatwaves become more frequent across the world, Japan has introduced an unusual cooling solution that looks like a refrigerator but is built for people. The walk-in cooling booth, called “Do Hiemon Box” is a booth that will help to immediately cool the body and help to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The booth was developed by Trusco Nakayama Corp. and is already being used at construction sites, steel plants, golf courses, universities and other outdoor workplaces throughout Japan. The company has sold about 200 of the devices since the product was introduced earlier this year, according to Bloomberg.
What is the Do Hiemon Box?
The Do Hiemon Box is a one person fit-out, stainless steel cabin. It is fitted with a glass door and a fitted bench and wheels for easy mobility between areas. It can be powered by a standard wall socket and is ideal for areas where there is no permanent air conditioning.
How does the cooling booth work?
The temperature inside the booth ranges around 15℃. After the person has entered and closed the door, jets of air 5 degrees cooler than body temperature are blasted towards the head, neck and shoulders, which cools the body down quickly. The system is specifically for cooling in the short term, and does not represent a resting place, according to Bloomberg.
Why Japan built a ‘human refrigerator’
The summer hot spells in Japan have become longer and more humid, and the temperature frequently reaches above 35℃. The nation has also implemented tougher heat alerts and workplace precautions to lower the risk of heat-related diseases.
Several Do Hiemon Box units have been deployed at the evacuation shelters in the recent earthquake in Kumamoto, showing their emergency use. Bloomberg reports that the company has also garnered interest from countries such as the US and Germany.
The Do Hiemon Box is not designed for household use, and costs about 1.5 million yen (roughly Rs 8.5 lakh, or US $9,500).