CAZZA: Innovative Heating Solution for High-Altitude Communities

Introduction

At Perumin 34, ETM showcased CAZZA (Calefactor de Ambientes en Zonas Alto Andinas) as a finalist in the Premium Inspira competition. This innovative heating system addresses a critical challenge in Peru’s high-altitude communities, where extreme cold conditions lead to severe health issues, particularly respiratory diseases among vulnerable populations.

The Challenge

In Peru’s high-altitude regions:

Over 10,577 population centers and 155,760+ people are affected by extreme cold
Temperatures can drop below -7°C
Traditional heating methods are either costly (gas) or harmful (biomass burning)
Respiratory infections are a leading cause of illness, especially among children under 5
Rural households spend approximately 8% of their limited income (averaging S/. 337 monthly) on health-related expenses

The CAZZA Solution

CAZZA represents a breakthrough in sustainable heating technology:

Energy-efficient design that maintains indoor temperatures above 10°C
Integrates with existing refrigeration systems
Environmentally friendly operation
Initial prototype cost of S/. 21,000
Significantly lower operating costs compared to traditional heating methods

Impact Metrics

The project’s success is measured across multiple dimensions:

Environmental Impact

Reduced CO2 emissions compared to conventional gas heating systems
Sustainable energy utilization

Health Benefits

Reduction in respiratory infections (IRAs)
Improved thermal comfort metrics (IVME indoor / IVMPE outdoor)

More affordable than traditional heating solutions
Enhanced quality of life for high-altitude communities

Economic Benefits

Lower operational costs compared to gas heating
Reduced healthcare expenses for families

Future Implementation

While the technology has been successfully demonstrated in various locations, including Dublin, Ohio (2018) and Macari-Puno (2019), we continue working to optimize the system for widespread implementation across Peru’s high-altitude regions.

Conclusion

CAZZA represents more than just technological innovation - it’s a comprehensive solution to a critical social challenge. By addressing the heating needs of high-altitude communities, we aim to significantly reduce respiratory diseases while providing an environmentally sustainable and economically viable solution for vulnerable populations.