EVAPOT operates through the natural process of water evaporation, which removes heat from surrounding surfaces as water changes into vapor. The concept draws inspiration from the ancient pot-in-pot, or zeer pot, cooling method used in civilizations such as Egypt and Persia. In its traditional form, a smaller clay pot is placed inside a larger one, with wet sand filling the gap between them. As the water evaporates, the inner chamber remains significantly cooler than the surrounding air without consuming electricity.

The same principle was revived during the 1990s by Nigerian teacher Mohammed Bah Abba, who adapted the system to improve food preservation in rural communities. Kim's concept applies this low-tech cooling method to medical storage, where products such as vaccines, insulin, blood supplies, and diagnostic samples require controlled temperatures to remain effective.

Visually, EVAPOT departs from the appearance of conventional medical refrigerators. The concept features a clean, sculptural design intended to integrate modern aesthetics with practical functionality, while targeting healthcare facilities operating in areas with unreliable or unavailable electrical infrastructure.

Although promising, evaporative cooling has important environmental limitations. The technology performs most effectively in dry climates, while high humidity significantly reduces its cooling efficiency. This presents a technical challenge for regions with tropical or coastal climates, where reliable off-grid medical refrigeration is often needed the most.

At its current stage, EVAPOT remains a design concept rather than a commercial product. Nevertheless, it demonstrates how established physical principles can be reinterpreted to address contemporary healthcare needs. By combining ancient passive cooling techniques with modern medical applications, the project encourages new thinking about sustainable refrigeration solutions for underserved communities.

According to Yankodesign