SPARK—solar photovoltaic adaptable refrigeration kit

Abstract

In developing countries, especially in particularly critical areas such as tropical Africa, the state of health of the population is strongly influenced by infectious risk factors. High temperatures and humidity levels, in fact, contribute to the formation and proliferation of viruses and bacteria capable of spreading rapidly. For these reasons, the need to find low-cost and context-adaptable strategies capable of ensuring the correct preservation of food and medicine in areas where the electricity supply is not reliable is a priority for improving health and social conditions in developing countries. In such a context, the aim of this study was to develop a modular kit designed for the self-construction of a refrigeration system which is economically competitive with other products already developed for the same purpose. The refrigeration system is powered by solar photovoltaic energy and can be easily assembled in the required location of application, with particular reference to the context represented by Africa’s tropical belt. The kit was designed and tested at the Politecnico di Milano University and the final prototype version was built in Cameroon.