Abstract:
The goal of this project was to design and prototype a solar-powered vaccine carrier 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. The project was aimed at developing a self-contained kit incorporating a solar panel,
battery, and a temperature-controlled vaccine storage unit. The kit was to be 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, aiming to develop a cost-effective
and sustainable solution for enhancing immunization coverage in underserved communities. The
kit was designed for 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 energy conservation requirements for various components of the
system, designing and sizing the essential components and integrating the solar and battery system
with other essential components of the vaccine kit. The methodology involved requirement
analysis, designing and sizing of components and system integration. The system was expected to
be able to handle the load requirements and maintain the desired range of temperature for over 5
hours, monitor and give real-time status updates of the temperatures in the kit and energy
conservation which included automated switching off/on and self-closing door. The project
aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and 7 (Affordable
and Clean Energy).
