Design and prototype of a solar powered vaccine kit for off-grid communities focus: power system

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.