Compact Tower's design was inspired by the challenges of air pollution, economic pressure, and the health risks associated with COVID-19. The designers sought to create a powerful, affordable, and compact air purifier that could fit seamlessly into the lives of people in developing countries. The design process involved extensive use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology, which helped optimize the air duct structure systematically.
The Compact Tower stands out due to its unique properties. The designers conducted over 1000 CFD tests, leading to the creation of a new centrifugal fan that significantly reduces the air duct volume while maintaining the same performance. This innovation allowed for the compact integration of UV disinfection lamps. The purifier's minimalist style is a direct reflection of its structure and function, with a hemispheric top edge that serves as both a control panel and visual center.
The Compact Tower is made using ABS injection molding, with a white body and grey top. It features a transparent black acrylic interactive panel and a transparent black lampshade housing the UVC disinfection lamp. The machine is only 240mm in diameter and can provide 100L of fresh and healthy air per minute, making it suitable for small living spaces.
The design process began in January 2021 in Beijing and concluded in November 2021 in Shenzhen. The designers faced the challenge of creating a cylinder with a 240mm diameter that could provide 350 cubic meters of fresh air per hour and house a UV disinfection lamp. They also had to balance between simplicity and novelty in the product's appearance. The result is a cost-effective, powerful, and attractive product that can help people in developing regions combat pollution and viruses.
The Compact Tower's design was recognized with a Silver A' Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Products Design Award in 2022. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The award is a testament to the Compact Tower's strong technical characteristics, splendid artistic skill, and the positive impact it can have on people's lives.
Project Designers: sxdesign
Image Credits: sxdesign
Project Team Members: Fangbo Wu
Beibei Liu
Yipeng Ding
Xu Chen
Haining Jiang
Rong Zhang
Zhixue Zou
Yaogang Chen
Project Name: Compact Tower
Project Client: sxdesign