A portable shelter can make sustainable living easy and comfortable. Sustainable living means that a shelter can utilize reusable, natural energy and resources. The Ecocapsule can use solar and wind power and collect rainwater.
The Ecocapsule is a 14.5-foot living pod that can be used for a variety of purposes. It can serve as a portable shelter, research station, or camping pod.
A second-generation model will be introduced in 2016. It will have enough space to sleep two people. It will also include a shower, kitchenette, climate control system, standard size electrical outlets, and a water-free toilet that incinerates waste.
The Ecocapsule generates power by using a 750-watt wind turbine on the rear and a 600-watt solar array on the roof. It can generate its own power as long as the outdoor temperature is between -13 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. A 9,744-watt-hour battery can hold a charge for up to five days, even during inclement weather.
A 145-gallon reservoir is located under the pod’s floorboards to collect rainwater. Electric pumps push the water through a membrane filter to remove dirt and bacteria before the water is sent to the sink and shower. If energy reserves are low, a manual pump can be used to filter water. When it is full, the water tank can serve two people for up to three weeks.
The Ecocapsule is monitored by a central computer that displays energy and water levels, the amount of rainwater recollected, indoor and outdoor humidity levels, and temperature. Owners can access the information using a smartphone or tablet. If the pod is running low on energy, the software suggests changes the occupants can make to conserve resources.