India (Gujrat): Re-Materials Modular Roofing Team
Team ModRoofs is comprised of six students with backgrounds in mechanical and civil engineering. We have come together to help ReMaterials, an alternative roofing company in Ahmedabad, India, find a low-energy method for drying their product. ReMaterial’s product is a modular 2ftx2ft tile made from a recycled cardboard pulp which provides an economical and improved roofing alternative to the more commonly used sheet metal material. The current drying process involves placing the tiles in a metal convection oven for 12 hours, which results in high energy costs. By reducing the energy intensity of this process the cost of the tiles can be reduced, making ModRoofs more accessible for slum populations. Having completed an initial literature review, we are moving forward evaluating how to use microwaves, dehydrating or vacuum kilns, natural air processes, or some combination of these technologies to help lower the energy demand of the process.
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