The Hindu : National : Solar vaccine refrigerator

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Thursday, Nov 02, 2006
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National

Solar vaccine refrigerator

Special Correspondent

— PHOTO: PTI

INNOVATION: President Abdul Kalam inspects the machine at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Wednesday acquired the first environment-friendly Solarchill vaccine refrigerator. It was installed at the President's estate clinic in the presence of Mr. Kalam.

The Solarchill was conceived as a vaccine cooler for remote areas in developing countries where access to power supply is difficult. Powered by three 60-watt photovoltaic panels, it stores the energy of the sun in ice instead of batteries. In place of the chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and other ozone depleting and global warming substances, Solarchill relies on ozone and climate-friendly hydrocarbon refrigerants.

It offers many practical benefits also as it can be used where electricity lines are non-existent or unreliable, it is safer than the kerosene vaccine coolers now used in remote areas, and it is 50 to 60 per cent cheaper than the currently available battery-operated solar vaccine coolers.

A second Solarchill model is being developed for food refrigeration that will be suitable for households and small businesses. It will also play a useful role in natural and human-made disaster areas.

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