Evaluation and feasibility assessment of the sustainability of refrigeration systems devoid of harmful refrigerants for storage of vaccines

Abstract

Conventional refrigerators impact on the environment contributing to ozone depletion and global warming. Common refrigeration methods make use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which all have negative effects on the environment. Legislation in some countries has been enforced to ban the use of some refrigerants due to their harmful effects. It was therefore prudent to develop alternative methods of refrigeration such as thermos-acoustic, magnetic or thermoelectric that do not utilise the harmful refrigerants. Alternative refrigeration methods can be applied in a variety of industries such as the food, agriculture and health establishments. This research established the disadvantages of conventional refrigeration and the potential for alternative refrigeration methods for the storage of vaccines. A portable thermoelectric prototype refrigerator was developed from locally available and sustainable materials at an estimated cost of $129. Although its performance was below that of conventional refrigerators, it managed to accomplish the desirable range of temperature for storing and transportation of vaccines, positively impacting on the environment by avoiding the harmful effects of refrigerants.