COOLmob: Smart cooling in the tropics

摘要

This time of year in Darwin sees two things rising to uncomfortable levels: temperatures and power bills. The onset of the hot, wet season leads people to seek relief indoors with the aid of air conditioners, with a consequent spike in their energy consumption and bills, particularly an issue for those on low incomes. But a program currently being rolled out in the Top End is aiming to change that. The message, and practice, of the program is that keeping cool in the tropics doesn't have to mean the household budget taking a hit.