Sanvi Jha

Assessing the Potential of a Portable Off-Grid Refrigeration System for Cold Chain Improvement in Rural India: A Systematic Review of Feasibility and Sustainability

Started May 31, 2024

Abstract or project description

In rural India, where grid access is unreliable and electricity is scarce in certain regions, there is a critical lack of cold chain infrastructure. This absence severely limits food storage capabilities, leading to significant food wastage. This paper presents a comprehensive review of existing off-grid refrigeration technologies, with a unique focus on adapting these solutions for portability to address the specific challenges faced by rural communities. By evaluating previous research on off-grid refrigeration systems, this review identifies key power sources, design requirements, and component technologies that are feasible for rural applications. Solar energy is identified as the most efficient and accessible power source for this context. The review explores various approaches to refrigeration, emphasizing the potential for portable systems to enhance cold chain infrastructure in off-grid settings. A detailed analysis of off-the-shelf components is provided, considering their compatibility with portable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions. The review concludes that integrating photovoltaic cells with vapor compression systems offers a promising configuration for off-grid refrigeration. This approach can maintain temperatures as low as -3°C, consume only 200 W of power, and ensure cold storage for up to 8 hours. By emphasizing portability, this review introduces an innovative solution to the problem of food wastage in rural India and other developing regions, offering a practical and scalable way to extend the cold chain into areas lacking reliable electricity.