Inexpensive, energy-efficient, grid-independent storage and cooling system for the Developing World

Abstract

Hunger and malnutrition can be significantly reduced in developing nations by improving the farmer-to-consumer system. One important step in particular that can be improved is cold storage at the local level. If small, rural farmers could have access to affordable and reliable chilled storage, more produce would reach the consumer, and the farmer would see his income increase. A team of several people has been working to address this issue by developing a cold storage system that is inexpensive, thermally efficient, and easy to assemble and maintain. Using Polyurethane structure insulated panels, Cryogel ice balls, and a unique storage layout, the team was able to design a prototype that met these criteria. This thesis shows the author's research and design decisions, not the collective work of the entire team.