The Smart Fan; An Actor-Network Theory Analysis of the Montreal Protocol

Over the past century, air conditioning (AC) systems have evolved from a novel invention to a widespread household necessity in many developed countries. A cooled environment provides numerous benefits; however, the popularity of AC technology raises environmental concerns. In this portfolio I explore ways to improve the environmental sustainability of air conditioning through two related projects. For modern AC systems, energy consumption has been a primary concern. Therefore, one avenue of improvement is replacing or supplementing conventional AC systems with energy efficient alternatives. To make alternatives to AC more appealing, I will present a design for “The Smart Fan”, a portable desk fan that automatically re-orients itself to blow air on a user as they move. This device aims to combine the efficiency of an electric fan with some of the convenience of AC. Working on a team with three other students, I will develop and test a prototype of The Smart Fan. The evolution of cooling technology is dependent not only on engineering work, but on the sociotechnical networks that facilitate their use. Therefore, in the STS project, I will consider the global phase-out of CFCs as a case study in the adoption of more sustainable cooling technologies, using Actor-Network Theory to analyze the processes leading to its success. Together, these complementary projects will shed light on the technical and social aspects of cooling technology, both of which must be addressed to reduce its environmental impact.