SDRS Co., Ltd. and machine-tool wholesaler TRUSCO NAKAYAMA Corporation have jointly developed the Dohiemon Box, a single-person cooling enclosure described as a “human refrigerator.” The unit directs cold air across the user’s body and requires no installation work, allowing it to be used indoors or outdoors.
When a user sits inside, air from the rear reaches the neck and cools the body from head to toe. The discharged air can be set as low as approximately 5°C (41°F), while the temperature inside the enclosure can reach 15°C (59°F). Air temperature and airflow each have three settings, and the system stops automatically after 20 minutes to prevent excessive cooling.
The Dohiemon Box operates on single-phase 100V, 50/60Hz power. It is equipped with a 400 W DC inverter compressor, uses R1234yf refrigerant and has a refrigerant charge of 620 g. Energy use is listed as 0.51 kWh at an ambient temperature of 35°C (95°F). The stated operating cost is ¥15.8 per hour (approximately US$0.11), compared with ¥30–38 per hour (approximately US$0.20–0.26) for a typical single-phase 100V spot air conditioner.
The IPX3-equivalent enclosure includes casters with stoppers, LED lighting, a rain-resistant plug, a 3 m (9.8 ft) power cable and a forced drain-evaporation system. It accommodates one person and supports a maximum load of 150 kg (331 lb). Drain water may still accumulate under conditions such as high humidity.
The standard DHE-BOX measures 931 × 1,202 × 2,031 mm (36.7 × 47.3 × 80.0 in) and weighs 293 kg (646 lb). The DHE-BOX-EB version measures 971 × 1,202 × 2,138 mm (38.2 × 47.3 × 84.2 in), weighs 343 kg (756 lb) and includes four M16 lifting eyebolts for crane handling.
