Abstract:
This project aimed to design and prototype a solar-powered vaccine kit to address the critical
challenge of maintaining the cold chain for vaccines in remote and off-grid communities. Access
to reliable vaccine storage and transportation remains a critical challenge in remote and
underserved communities, where electricity shortages hinder proper cold chain management. This
project developed a self-contained kit incorporating a solar panel, battery, and a temperaturecontrolled
vaccine storage unit. The kit was designed to maintain the required cold chain
temperature for vaccines even in remote locations with limited access to electricity. Through a
combination of design, simulation, and field testing, this project evaluated the performance and
reliability of the solar-powered vaccine kit, which developed a cost-effective and sustainable
solution for enhancing immunization coverage in underserved communities. The kit was designed
for portability, durability, and ease of use, making it suitable for healthcare workers operating in
off-grid locations. The objectives included creating a functional prototype of a solar powered
vaccine kit, determining the power requirements for various components of the system, to design
the power system and to test the power system of the vaccine carrier kit. The Solar-Powered
Vaccine Kit effectively maintains a 2°C – 8°C temperature range for vaccine storage,
achieving 94.5% system efficiency with an 88% solar fraction. Powered by a 330W solar
panel and 24Ah Li-ion battery, it provides 7+ hours of autonomy, recharges in ~5 hours under
optimal sunlight, and exhibits minimal battery degradation (11.4% capacity loss after one year).
While it performs reliably in moderate climates, peak summer conditions (June–August) result in
an 11.95% energy shortfall, suggesting potential improvements such as a larger battery or
enhanced insulation for extreme environments. Overall, the kit is a viable, efficient solution for
off-grid vaccine storage, with minor optimizations needed for hotter regions. The project aligned
with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 7 of Good Health and Well-Being and Affordable and
Clean Energy respectively.
