Efficient Portable Stand-alone Vaccine Refrigerator for Rural Application (PRESERVE)

Subcategory (under Clean Energy): Cross Cutting
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL-8 Early prototype
Technology Outline (Process Description)

Vaccines are sensitive biological products and need to be stored at a specified temperature to retain its potency. Failure to maintain at the specified temperature range leads to revaccination and other financial burdens to the government. To address these issues we have to develop an indigenous system which can actively regulate the temperature for a long period. So a portable refrigerator that can carry on shoulders and the temperature is regulated using compressor technology, which works on battery, will strengthen the cold chain policy of the country.

Designed and developed portable stand-alone refrigerator of capacities 3 and 1.5 litres (Prototype-1 & Prototype-2 respectively), which can be used to carry vaccines to off grid remote location and regulate the temperature within 2˚C to 8˚C. It consists of the design and fabrication of various modules like refrigeration components, DC-DC Converter, Lithium-ion battery pack and communication module. The unit is powered by lithium-ion battery which can be charged using the solar facility often available in tribal settlements

to stretch cold life, if required.

Salient Features/Advantages

Li-ion battery used in the system allows the refrigerator to run for 48 hrs by maintaining the vaccine temperature between 2˚C and 8˚C, can be charged through solar or grid. USB communication which allows the user to download data such as temperature, door operation status, battery voltage and state of charge. Ergonomic backpack type package with weight within 7kg, hence it can be easily carried to remote locations on shoulders.

Key Outcomes

Designed and developed portable refrigerator prototype of two different capacities 3L and 1.5L. Can yield a back up time of 48 hours by maintaining the temperature between 2˚C & 8˚C. Conducted a field trail of vaccine storage unit in tribal areas like -Amala, Ayiram kaal in collaboration with medical team from PHC., Kuttichal. Demonstrated the 1.5L Prototype in Sree Chitra Conclave 2022, held at SCTIMST, Trivandrum.

IP Protection details

  • Patent filed (Title, national/International): Portable Autonomous Temperature Controlled Medical Cabinet; National
  • Patents Granted: Nil
  • Copyrights obtained /progress on commercialisation /Pl. specify connect with industry: Nil

Contact details (for more information)

  • Nodal Person name: Dr. Subhash Joshi T.G.
  • Email ID: subhashj@cdac.in;
  • Organisation name (Relevant link/web page): C-DAC, Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram-695033
Supporting Photographs/Images

Organizations involved in the development (logo/name)

CDAC

Indian Institute of Science

University of South Carolina

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