2021 to 2022
3 Months
Solo Project
3 Months
Solo Project
The effects of global warming are palpable. Heat and cold waves are now more frequent and more extreme. Naturally, we want to feel comfortable and would instinctively rely on air conditioners and radiators to warm up or cool down the spaces we are in. Unfortunately, using them contribute to global warming and force us deeper into a vicious cycle.
What if we could change our perception of the temperature around us, rather than alter the temperature of our environment?
Working prototype 1.0.
First proof of concept (POC) using a low voltage peltier chip.
Thermaphones is a pair of headphones with temperature-changing ear buds* that can be adjusted based on the environment we are in and our thermal comfort1; Ear buds remain cool in hot, humid spaces and warm in cold places. This is empowered by 2 integrated Peltier chips, which precisely control temperatures between 25° and 38°C. Temperatures would fluctuate and never remain constant for prolonged periods to ensure that sensation is pronounced and more importantly, avoid vertigo2. Now, people can enjoy good music in great comfort even if we commute in hot, humid train carriages or work in freezing cold office spaces.
*Thermaphones is currently a work-in-progress prototype and hence ear buds are currently made in metal. They would eventually be moulded in a modified polyethylene3 which conducts and transfers heat; this polymer is developed by a team of researchers at MIT.
Demonstration of Thermaphones in action - lowest temperature registered is 17.6°C.
Thermaphones is a research endeavour that was inspired by project Saiga4, a neck wearable that changes our perception of temperature to help us cope with global warming and heat waves.
1: Condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment, i.e. the condition when someone is not feeling either too hot or too cold.
2: Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off balance and can be caused by temperature changes.
3: https://news.mit.edu/2018/engineers-turn-plastic-insulator-heat-conductor-0330
4: Saiga is a team project with fellow Royal College of Art students, Harry, Nacho and Wei Haw and can be viewed here
Special Thanks
Matthew Wong Photography
Press