Potable, Compressor-less solar powered Refrigerator with a battery backup for zero energy effective transportation of vaccines
As COVID-19 vaccines are successfully emerging from various parts of the world, the challenge of effective and safe transportation of these vaccines is emerging. The transportation conditions, such as temperature and humidity are stiff especially for the remote. Traditionally, vaccines
2025-06-28 16:34:32 - Adil Khan
Potable, Compressor-less solar powered Refrigerator with a battery backup for zero energy effective transportation of vaccines
Project Area of Specialization Electrical/Electronic EngineeringProject SummaryAs COVID-19 vaccines are successfully emerging from various parts of the world, the challenge of effective and safe transportation of these vaccines is emerging. The transportation conditions, such as temperature and humidity are stiff especially for the remote.
Traditionally, vaccines such as that of Polio are transported in what the UNICEF refers to as “Cold Boxes”. A separate coolant pack is placed inside the cold box which can keep the contents cold for a short period of time, as claimed by UNICEF itself. Besides the short-term usage of the existing cold boxes, a lack of temperature regulation is present which is undesirable if the vaccine has a high sensitivity regarding temperature changes.
Our project aims at creating such a refrigerated “Cool Box” which will be powered by its integrated solar panels while also having a battery backup for storing energy to be used in inadequate lighting conditions. The device will produce cooling through Peltier effect which will use regulated electric power provided by the solar panels and/or the in-built battery. Temperature regulation will also be present making it flexible in use for transporting different types of vaccines. The device will also be portable, thus making it easy for transporting vaccines for on-field volunteers.
Project ObjectivesThe main objective of the project is to make transportation of vaccines as effective as possible. Traditional method of transportation vaccines includes using temporarily cold coolant packs. While the conventional approach has been working so far for short periods of time, issues arise when transporting vaccines with specific storing temperatures. The problem of effectively storing for longer periods of time also exists parallelly.
Our project aims at eradicating these short comings. Solar energy is an intermittent source of energy, but free and available throughout our country, will be utilized to provide stable and steady power to the PV panels. This will eliminate the need to use external coolant packs to keep the project cold. Alongside the stable supply of energy, a temperature regulation will be in effect which will keep the payload (vaccines) in a stable, pre-defined atmosphere. The pre-set temperature will be adjustable by the user to allow a vide variety of vaccines to be transported.
Project Implementation Method
The device will be designed in way that the outer boundary shall consist of solar Panels facing towards the sun will generate a variable DC output dependent on the intensity and the incident angle of the sunlight. The variable DC power will be fed into a power convertor which will ensure Maximum Power Point Tracking to maximize the power output of the Solar Panels. The output of the power converter will be now multi-level regulated to power the project and most importantly the microcontroller. The same power will be fed into two separate power converters. One will charge the batteries while the other will power up and control the Peltier Modules. The Peltier modules will be housed inside a properly insulated cabin where the vaccines will be kept. The hot side of the Peltier modules will have heatsinks attached to dissipate the heat coming from the inside of the insulated cabin.
In normal operation, and assuming proper sunlight conditions, the project will first power the Peltier modules and the rest of the electrical energy will be used to charge the batteries. If the intensity of the sunlight decreases and isn’t enough to power the Peltier modules, battery backup will be used to power the system. This will further extend the use of the project in real life applications making it not only limited for use in intense sunlight.
Benefits of the ProjectTraditional method of transportation vaccines to remote areas includes using temporarily cold coolant packs. These coolant packs are placed inside the cool boxes with the vaccines which help to lower the temperature of the payload ie. the vaccines. While the conventional approach has been working so far for short periods of time, issues arise when transporting vaccines with specific storing temperatures. The problem of effectively storing for longer periods of time also exists parallelly.
Our project is a modern-day approach at an effective colling solution for the transportation of the highly needed COVID-19 vaccines. It directly tackles the problems with traditional techniques in place and provides an innovative and effective solution in areas where conventional techniques fail to shine.
Our project design will eliminate the need of coolant packs to keep the vaccines cold. Alongside the stable supply of energy, a temperature regulation will be in effect which will keep the payload ie. the vaccines in a stable, pre-defined atmosphere. The pre-set temperature will be adjustable by the user to allow a wide variety of vaccines to be transported.
Technical Details of Final DeliverableThe final deliverable of the project will be a physically working prototype. It will have solar panels for extracting energy from the sun. A user-defined temperature setting mechanism for the cooling chamber with information being displayed on an LCD screen. A battery backup will also be available which would be used when the solar panels prove unable to provide the required power the project.
Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry HealthOther Industries Energy , Transportation Core Technology Clean TechOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for People, Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate ActionRequired Resources| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 69000 | |||
| Solar Panels | Equipment | 2 | 14000 | 28000 |
| LiPo Batteries | Equipment | 2 | 9000 | 18000 |
| Power Converters | Equipment | 3 | 1000 | 3000 |
| Micro Controllers | Equipment | 2 | 500 | 1000 |
| Body Materials and Fabrication | Equipment | 1 | 8000 | 8000 |
| Semi conductor devices | Equipment | 10 | 100 | 1000 |
| Heat Sinks | Equipment | 2 | 500 | 1000 |
| Peltier Modules | Equipment | 2 | 500 | 1000 |
| LCD Display | Equipment | 1 | 1000 | 1000 |
| Soldering Station with accessories | Equipment | 1 | 1500 | 1500 |
| Fuses | Equipment | 5 | 100 | 500 |
| Connectors and wires | Equipment | 50 | 50 | 2500 |
| PCB Printing | Miscellaneous | 5 | 500 | 2500 |