Performance testing protocol for early-stage cooling innovators: Insights from the Solar Decathlon India Challenge Product Division

In a warming climate, cooling innovation is crucial for mitigation and adaptation. The demand for sustainable cooling solutions has led to global innovation challenges like the Cooling Solutions Challenge and the 10X PRIZE: Clean Cooling Student Competition, focusing on energy-efficient technologies. Unlike the rigorous long-term performance tests used in these challenges, early-stage innovators need quicker, resource-efficient testing methods that yield meaningful results.

This paper highlights and evaluates a cooling performance testing protocol used for the Product Division in the Solar Decathlon India (SDI) challenge. The study employs a mixed-methods evaluation approach, analyzing student reports, jury feedback, and survey responses from 118 participants to assess the protocol's accessibility, effectiveness, and impact on innovation. Findings indicate that the protocol successfully supports iterative prototype development by offering a structured yet adaptable framework for performance testing. However, challenges were identified in understanding technical concepts and executing rigorous testing procedures. Survey results highlight the need for clearer guidelines, additional training resources, and improved documentation practices.

The paper demonstrates that a streamlined, time-efficient protocol can enhance early-stage cooling innovation and serve as a valuable tool for both prototype refinement and academic learning. Future improvements should focus on refining technical clarity, increasing accessibility, and ensuring standardized evaluation criteria to maximize its impact.