Budweiser’s ground source drinks cooler refrigerates below 6°C without the use of electricity

From Superinnovators 12/10/23. This article is in TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read) format which is popular in the innovation community and provides a bullet summary of information.

• Bud Ground Cooler: In May 2023, Budweiser introduced a sustainable ‘Ground Cooler’ that refrigerates drinks below 6°C without the use of electricity. It was created in collaboration with design company Frog and advertising agency BETC Paris.

• Ancient cooling techniques modernised: The Ground Cooler is inspired by ancient cooling methods used by the Egyptians and Indus Valley civilizations. It utilises the geothermal cooling properties of the ground (ground source) – the temperature below the surface stays consistently lower than above ground in hot countries or in summer in temperate climates.

• Further cooling mechanisms: The cooler uses nine cylinder clay pots placed four meters underground. This area is cooled by evaporation and enhanced air circulation. The Venturi effect, involving a 4.5-meter high mast, further cools the area by drawing down cooler air from above.

• Electricity challenges: The bud ground cooler could help in certain regions where consistent access to electricity is a luxury. Villagers face frequent power cuts, making it challenging to sell cold drinks even if they own refrigerators.

• Design and usability: The design of the Ground Cooler is such that it can be easily replicated by local communities. It features an umbrella-like top for shade, making it a gathering spot for vendors and customers. The cooler can be assembled using basic tools like a shovel, screwdriver, and wrench.

• Efficiency and capacity: The Ground Cooler is not only sustainable but also efficient, capable of cooling up to 300 drinks below 6°C.

• Community-centric branding: Budweiser has opted to use funds typically allocated for traditional advertising, like billboards, to install these branded coolers in local businesses. This initiative, which began in Morocco, is expanding to other countries, including Turkey.

More info

https://betc.com/en/innovation/ground-cooler

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