INTRODUCTION

The Sustainable Refrigeration Unit is a prototype developed and presented at FACENS as part of the UPX initiative (June 2025). The project goal was to develop a portable refrigeration unit capable of maintaining medical-grade temperatures for vaccines and hospital supplies, powered entirely by solar energy — targeting deployment in areas where access to conventional electricity is unreliable.

IMPLEMENTATION

The prototype was constructed using a Peltier cooling module housed within a polypropylene compartment, chosen for its heat-blocking properties. A solar panel provides the necessary power supply, eliminating dependence on grid electricity. An Arduino board monitors and regulates the internal temperature to maintain the required thermal range.

RELEVANCE

Reliable cold-chain logistics are critical for vaccine efficacy, yet many underserved regions lack the infrastructure to maintain them. This project directly addresses that gap by proposing a self-contained, renewable-energy-powered solution that could feasibly be deployed in remote or resource-limited environments, particularly in regions where consistent cold storage is unavailable.

RESULTS

The prototype demonstrated promising results, achieving internal temperatures as low as 2°C. However, the project was ultimately deemed unfeasible by the group due to the high energy consumption relative to the cooling output provided by the Peltier system. A more energy-efficient cooling mechanism would be required for a viable real-world implementation.