Jakarta, INTI - Five students from the University of Indonesia (UI) have developed ADEM (Adaptive Energy-efficient Microclimate System), a prototype cooling system that harnesses stable ground temperatures and solar power to reduce energy consumption.
“ADEM works by utilizing the temperature difference between surface air and ground temperatures. By pre-cooling the air before it enters a room, the system can reduce the load on active cooling systems,” said UI team leader Abdurrasyid Dzaki Amir in Depok on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The innovation was designed as an energy-efficient alternative for indoor cooling, particularly for buildings in tropical regions such as Indonesia, where cooling demand is relatively high.
The team combines ground-based heat exchange, solar-powered ventilation, and an automated control system into a single cooling solution.
ADEM Uses Ground Temperature to Cool Air
ADEM utilizes the relatively stable temperature of the ground at certain depths by directing outdoor air through a network of PVC pipes buried underground and arranged in a winding configuration.
The longer pipe pathway allows more effective heat exchange between the air and surrounding soil before the cooled air is circulated into the room, potentially reducing the workload of active cooling systems such as air conditioners.
The system is equipped with a ventilator turbine powered by a DC motor, with electricity supplied by solar panels to maintain airflow, including during periods of low wind.
Temperature sensors at the inlet and outlet measure temperature changes in real time and send the data to an ESP32 microcontroller, which regulates the ventilator based on environmental conditions.
“We designed the system to be adaptive. As outdoor temperatures rise, the need for air circulation also increases. Under higher solar intensity, the solar panels can generate more power to support the ventilator,” Abdurrasyid said.
Five UI Physics Students Develop ADEM
Unlike conventional cooling systems that rely on refrigerant compression and typically require significant electrical power, ADEM prioritizes passive cooling through heat exchange with the ground.
The use of solar energy to power the ventilation system is also intended to reduce reliance on conventional electricity sources.
Abdurrasyid developed ADEM alongside Satria Erlangga Munggaran, Michael Gianvittorio Siringoringo, Steven Anthony Suhartoyo, and Muhammad Rayhan Pasha Nuruddin.
All five students are undergraduate Physics students at UI’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA). The development of ADEM was supervised by Syahril Siregar, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer in the Department of Physics at UI’s FMIPA.
Conclusion
ADEM demonstrates how ground temperature and solar energy can be combined to create a more energy-efficient cooling solution for tropical buildings, potentially reducing reliance on conventional air conditioning.
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