The SolarChill Vaccine Refrigerator
The SolarChill is a small vaccine refrigerator that operates directly from solar photovoltaic panels without batteries or a charge controller. When the sun is shining, DC power generated by the solar panels operates the variable voltage DC compressor which freezes ice-packs used in an ice bank.
The ice bank stores energy which is used to maintain vaccine compartment temperatures at WHO recommended level during periods when the sun is not shining. The vaccine compartment temperature is self-regulated by thermal design, and does not rely on electronic control devices. The SolarChill has a special built-in feature which prevents freezing of vaccines.
This is the ideal solution for development agencies working to improve the reliability of the cold chain equipment for
immunization programs. Once the investment is made, there are no overhead costs (kerosene, battery replacement,
etc) for the country or organization receiving the units.
Specifications
Refrigerator*
- 40 litre vaccine storage
compartment (50 litre gross
capacity) - Dimensions: Height: 850 mm; Width: 720 mm; Depth: 600 mm
- 3 storage baskets
- 3 ice-packs for outreach
- Lockable
Solar Array
- 150-Watt or 180-Watt 12-Volt solar arrays dependent upon location of SolarChill
- EIC61215 certifi ed polycrystalline modules with MC connectors
- 10-meter plug-and-play array-to-refrigerator cable
- Anodized aluminum side-of-pole or roof-mount support structures
- Theft resistant hardware
Performance
- Vaccine compartment temperature: 4 – 8o C at room temperatures in the range of 10-30oC
- Vaccine compartment hold over temperature: below 10oC for more than 24 hrs
- SolarChill No sun autonomy: More than 5 days with vaccine compartment below 15oC