Development of a low-cost module for thermal comfort in houses of Rural Andean communities: "Cápsula de Vida"

Corrales A.A.; Marroquin M.C.; Larico P.B.F.; Velasquez A.S.G.; Apaza J.A.C.; Vilca L.A.S. · ZEMCH International Conference (2023)

Resumen

The "helada"(frost), is a climatic phenomenon that generates abnormally low temperatures in the high Andean zone of Peru. The settlers of these areas, mainly rural, are dramatically affected because their homes do not have sufficient thermal insulation. Various projects and programs have been financed to solve this problem without reaching a sustainable or commercially viable solution. The objective of the present investigation was to use a user-centered design approach in order to develop a product capable of satisfying requirements such as usability, cost, and effectiveness. At the same time, design and inventive methodologies such as the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) were used. This tool allowed solving the technological contradiction of achieving a better level of thermal insulation at a low cost. As a result of the process, a new concept was obtained that we call "Cápsula de Vida", which, inspired by the concept of capsule hotels in Japan, consists of a small cabin capable of being introduced into a conventional room, which has a level sufficient thermal insulation (demonstrated by computer simulation), to promote a good rest, without impairing the possibility of developing key activities such as study, reading, and leisure. The system is modular, easy to assemble and transport.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa; Universidad La Salle; Universidad Católica San Pablo