Keep It Cool
As the Ashoka Healthcare for All work moves forward, I have recently been spending time researching low-cost solar powered refrigerators. We need refrigeration to store medicines, vaccines, and certain reagents to perform diagnostic tests. These needs are similar to others who are working in resource-poor settings where there is ample heat but little or unreliable electricity to keep refrigerators operating.
Here is a short list of the technologies I found thus far. If you know of others, please let me know!
- NAPS Systems Vaccine Fridge CFS49IS System: This system has 4 solar modules each of 50 watts; can store up to 5.4 kg of frozen ice-packs; can store 30-35 liters of vaccine packs between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius.
- Promethean Power Systems: This hybrid model uses photovoltaic panels, thermoelectric cooling modules, and couples with a small generator for use during extended periods of cloudiness. They state that the use of thermoelectric technology here will enable them to provide their systems at a lower cost.
- Solar Chill: Uses 3- 60watt photovoltaic panels, has an AC/DC converter which can be linked to wind, hydropower, bio-gas, or grid energy systems if needed. Does not require a lead battery, instead uses a direct current compressor.
- Sun Frost: The top-mounted cooling system lowers energy consumption by reducing the heat gain to the cabinet and increasing efficiency due to lower condenser temperature. The refrigerator can store up to 38.7 liters of vaccines.
Photo credit: flickr/ Matthias Schickhofer
