JAPAN: Daikin will take inspiration from traditional ice houses with sustainable air conditioning to keep people cool at next year’s World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
To combat the midsummer heat, the Japanese air conditioning and heat pump manufacturer is creating an “Ice Cool Spot” during the World Expo from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
The Ice Cool Spot was inspired by the traditional ice houses where ice was stored all year round before the invention of the refrigerator.
The Daikin Ice Cool Spot will feature an air conditioning system that combines the ice heat storage technology developed by Daikin for its air conditioning systems with power generation from solar energy.
Cooling is achieved by radiation from ice panels that surround the interior of the structure. The surface temperature of the ice panels, which are made of transparent acrylic material, is maintained at 3ºC-8°C.
The Ice Cool Spot uses part of the electricity generated by solar panels. The electricity generated during the day is stored in a storage battery and ice is made at night when it is cooler.
Traditional Japanese wooden lattice is used for the walls, creating an open structure that gives the feeling of being outdoors. The solar panels mounted on the green roof are designed to blend in with nature.
The Ice Cool Spot will be installed in the Progress Square area in the southwest of the Expo site. Expo visitors can enjoy the 70 m long2 The structure is closed during Expo and has benches inside, each of which can accommodate about 30 people.
