Design and Testing of a Thermoelectrically-Cooled Portable Vaccine Cooler

Abstract

and expiration-can be as high as 60-70% (Wallace, Willis, Nwaze, & Dieng, 2017; Zaffran et al., 2013). Although vaccine coolers are designed to keep vaccines cold, a poorly designed apparatus can result in accidental freezing of vaccines so that sub-potent vaccines can sometimes be administered (Chen, & Kristensen, 2009). A 2007 study found that in vaccine reports tracked longitudinally, 75-100% of vaccines were exposed to freezing temperatures; the authors recommend improved cold-chain transport equipment as a solution (Matthias, Robertson, Garrison, Newland, & Nelson, 2007). Vaccine freezing or overheating issues are not relegated solely to older studies or developing nations. The 2013-2014 H1N1pdm09 virus outbreak in the United States can likely be attributed to vaccine shipments being exposed to high temperatures (Caspard, Coelingh, Mallory, & Ambrose, 2016). The cost of most vaccines today ranges from $3.50-$7.50 per administration (Gates, 2012), so wastage results in a considerable economic loss. Importantly, when vaccines lose potency, there is a loss of confidence in vaccine therapy (Larson, Cooper, Eskola, Katz, & Ratzan, 2011). Thus, reducing vaccine wastage while increasing potency will provide more effective immunization in the rural, developing world at a reduced cost per dose. One way to address aspects of the wastage issue is the development of small coolers capable of transporting vaccines, maintained in the proper temperature range, from the regional health center to the distant client; this trip is termed the end stage of the cold chain. Coolers employing phase change materials including ice are capable of maintaining the desired temperature range for a period, but vaccines in such coolers are sometimes subject to overheating or freezing because of the lack of temperature regulation.

The status of refrigeration solutions for last mile vaccine delivery in low-income settings

“…More recently, Reid. et al [61] presented a proof-of-concept for a thermoelectric chip combined with an aluminium block for storage of the vaccine vials. In contrast to most other designs tested at room temperature, this one is assessed with an ambient temperature of 37 °C and provides an autonomy of 10 h with a single battery charge.…”

The status of refrigeration techniques for vaccine storage and transportation in low-income settings

“…More recently, Reid. et al [92] presented a proof-of-concept Preprint The status of refrigeration techniques for vaccine storage and transportation in low-income settings for a thermoelectric chip combined with an aluminium block for storage of the vaccine vials. In contrast to most other designs tested at room temperature, this one is assessed with an ambient temperature of 37°C and provides an autonomy of 10 hours with a single battery charge.…”

Improvement of Criteria for Assessing the Energy Efficiency of Thermoelectric Refrigerators Used in Supply Chains

“…Apart from general-purpose refrigerators, these devices also include specialized devices, e.g., for wine and other beverages, cookies, medicines, etc. [4][5][6][7][8]. Nowadays, stationary thermoelectric refrigerators with a capacity of 40-60 L reflect the main development trend of this type of device and compete with similar refrigerators of other types [9,10].…”