As heat waves become more frequent and intense around the globe, new cooling technologies are being developed to keep people safe. While many of us are still stuck with air-conditioners, a company in Japan has come up with a quirky solution to cool you down quickly in extreme heat: the walk-in cooling booth dubbed the “human refrigerator,” which works in just a few minutes. According to reports, Japanese refrigeration and vending machine manufacturer SDRS developed the Do Hiemon Box, designed to help people cool down quickly after long exposure to high temperatures. The booth, which takes its cue from Japan’s refrigerated vending machines, is already drawing notice for its practical approach to preventing heat-related illness.
How does this human refrigerator works
According to the report, the Do Hiemon box is a small refrigerated booth, large enough for one person at a time. Inside there is a chair where users can sit comfortably as the cooling process starts. The booth has an internal temperature of 15°C. Once a person is seated, chilled air at 5°C is blown towards the head, neck, shoulders and back—areas important for regulating body temperature. This directed airflow allows the body to cool down quickly and provides almost instant relief from heat. According to the company, it takes as little as five minutes to cool the body, making it a fast option for those exposed to high temperatures outdoors.
Engineered to beat heat stress
The cooling booth is for those suffering the physical effects of extreme heat, including the early symptoms of heat exhaustion. As per the company, spending around 10 minutes inside the booth can lower body temperature significantly and help alleviate the discomfort of prolonged heat exposure. This makes the technology especially useful for employees who spend long hours outdoors, such as those on construction sites, in warehouses, factories, logistics centers and industrial facilities. It is said to help avoid medical expenses related to severe heatstroke.
Energy efficient and easy to move
According to reports, it offers cooling and is also energy efficient. SDRS says its system uses about half the electricity of a conventional spot air conditioner. The booth offers three cooling and airflow settings to customize the level of intensity to your liking. It automatically turns off after 20 minutes for safety to help prevent overcooling.
Is it being used by public
The company claims that they have installed the machine at various public places nationwide since it went on sale in April. Another example is the Maebashi City Hall in Gunma Prefecture, where visitors can use the cooling booth for free.
Cost and availability
It is available in its standard variant and costs approximately 1.5 million Japanese yen or about Rs 9 lakh (pre-tax).
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