ZERO-ENERGY FRIDGE HARNESSES NATURAL GROUND INSULATION

Refrigerators use energy, and quite a lot of it. Groundfridge uses simple physics to offer a zero-energy alternative.

Thought up by Dutch designer Floris Schoonerbeek, the Groundfridge saves energy by using the natural temperature of the ground to keep perishables fresh.

The structure is large compared to a regular fridge, but mostly sits underground. It’s basically a cellar for outside. A protruding access hatch with a short staircase breaks its cover, and inside are shelves and plenty of space to move around.

“The advantages of the Groundfridge lay in the fact that it doesn’t consumer energy,” explains Schoonerbeek, “and that it has the volume of 20 regular fridges.”.

Ground temperature determines the temperature inside the fridge, and it’s made of strong lightweight hand-laminated polyester to enable it to be moved without too much upheaval. According to their website, the Groundfridge can maintain a steady temperature of 10-12ºc all year round, thanks to the insulation of the ground and the cooling effect of the underground water.

This is exactly the kind of product we need - something which takes us off the grid in an exciting and impressive way.

Original article by Tod Perry, Good

Image copyright to gardencampus.com