Diagram depicting the integration of alternative cooling production, delivery, and experience in a residential space.
Dewpoint Cooling Tower. Left: Exterior view of the system. Center: Conceptual system diagram inspired by [S. Anisimov, A. Kozlov, P. Glanville, M. Khinkis, V. Maisotsenko, and J. Shi, Advanced Cooling Tower Concept for Commercial and Industrial Applications, vol. 2. 2014. doi: 10.1115/POWER2014-32020]. Right: Interior view showing water sprays and evaporation medium.
Psychrometric chart depicting the operational landscape of the proposed cooling tower system during two representative daytime summer conditions in Kuwait assuming MRT=Ta.
Diagram depicting the raytracing model used in the design of cooling fixtures.
Thamer’s research explores an alternative desert cooling paradigm in response to Kuwait’s heavy reliance on mechanical air conditioning. Conventional systems cool entire spaces rather than target occupants within them, resulting in energy-intensive and thermally monotonous environments. In response, his work establishes a trinary, techno-behavioral framework integrating low-exergy cooling production, personalized cooling delivery via mixed-mode heat transfer devices, and the choreography of dynamic, heterogeneous thermal experiences.
Through prototyping and digital simulation, he investigates a closed-loop, sub-wet-bulb evaporative cooling system, integrated with greywater reclamation and photovoltaics. For delivery, he explores cooling fixtures that manipulate radiation using parabolic curves, reflectivity and infrared transparency. To evaluate resulting thermal experiences, he plans to deploy these technologies in arrangements modeled to serve typical domestic activities, at which data is gathered using sensors and human subject surveys and analyzed using thermal comfort models.
This research is contextualized by an analysis of the techno-cultural development of cooling in Kuwait over the past century, as well as of existing bioclimatic and cooling infrastructure. Ultimately, findings are synthesized into a residential cooling design guide aimed at securing a resilient and engaging thermal future for Kuwaiti homes.
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