Camels are even-toed ungulates that belong to the Camelidae family, which is the only family alive today in the suborder of ungulates (Tylopoda). Camels have leathery lips that allow them to eat thorns. Camels are related to llamas and alpacas. They are used to carry loads. As an interesting fact: in some countries they are even used by police officers. Camels have a thick layer of insulating fur that reduces the amount of moisture lost in the desert heat, which protects them from dehydration.

Because biological samples and food products are often stored in the refrigerator, they are vulnerable to equipment failure and, as a result, deteriorate over time. In addition, shipping these products in either a refrigerated container or on dry ice is expensive and uses up too many materials. As a result, their system served as inspiration for an efficient cooling system with an evaporative cooling design that eliminates energy consumption. It is made of two layers. The inner layer is made of a hydrogel, from which water can evaporate quickly, similar to sweat glands. The outer layer is an aerogel, which traps external heat but allows water vapor to pass through, similar to camel fur. The water vapor has a cooling effect by increasing the time it takes for the warm ambient temperature to reach the contents in the cooling system. The system is designed so that the hydrogel is easily rehydrated. The entire material is less than half a centimeter thick.

Advantages: Sustainability, reduced energy consumption, less waste Applications: Pharmaceuticals, food storage, HVAC systems UN Sustainable Development Goals discussed: Good health and well-being; Sustainable cities and communities; Responsible production and consumption.

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Summarized by AskNature.org