Solar Powered Horticulture Cold Chains (Sol-Tech)

Lead Research Organisation: Brunel University London
Department Name: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

Globally food chains experience substantial losses which for horticulture products can be as high as 70% of production. This represents 8 percent of global Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and substantial loss of resources such as water and energy. Food losses and waste result from to many reasons, which include inadequate infrastructure and lack or unreliable energy supply, lack of skills and access to markets. A key contributor to food loss in developing countries and in particular Africa and India is the very limited availability of cold food chains for the preservation and temperature controlled distribution of fresh produce to markets.

The Sol-Tech project aims to make a contribution to addressing the food waste challenge and key Sustainable Development Challenges and Goals, including halving food waste by 2030, providing access to energy for all and alleviation of poverty and malnutrition. This will be achieved by building on previous and current research to develop to commercialisation stage an innovative but affordable solar powered modular fresh food cold storage and first mile distribution system for application in areas with no or limited and unreliable access to the electricity grid. Sol-Tech will involve collaboration between academic and industry partners from the UK, Africa and India to ensure that the technology development and commercialisation is informed by developing country needs and local political, socioeconomic and market conditions.

The innovation potential and impact of the technology are substantial. Major innovations include: i) significant, up to 40% reduction of the thermal load of food transport refrigeration insulated boxes; ii) the use of solar energy to power on-board refrigeration systems and hybrid electrical and thermal energy storage to eliminate fossil fuel demand for precooling, storage and distribution of fresh produce; iii) adaptable on-board microclimate control and communication system to minimise transpiration losses, increase shelf life and maximise product quality at point of delivery.

The project will also investigate and develop appropriate business models and commercialisation strategies tailored to specific local markets to ensure successful product commercialisation and maximum impact.

Planned Impact

The project is of substantial interest and importance and addresses international energy, decarbonisation priorities food security. The Sol-Tech programme of work and the strong academic and industry collaborations in the UK, Africa and India will make an important contribution to meeting these priorities and Sustainable Development Goals by developing to commercialisation stage, new innovative solar powered off-grid cold chain technologies that reduce energy and environmental impacts and provide increased quality, shelf life and reduce food losses.

The proposal addresses the requirements for Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding in that it aims to tackle food chain sustainability, food poverty, and health and nutrition challenges in Africa and India. Apart from food security, other socioeconomic benefits include the use of solar energy for electrical power and refrigeration, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and dependence on the grid. Local manufacturing of the technology and cost savings by the users will create new employment opportunities and contribute to skills development by the companies and the training of researchers by the research partners. Environmental benefits will arise from displacement of fossil fuel electricity from central power stations and diesel from diesel driven refrigeration and stationary electricity generation equipment which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution with detrimental effects on global warming and human health.

The project will also enhance the capability of stakeholders by providing engagement and evidence through demonstration of the technology to inform: i) policy decisions and appropriate interventions to enhance the value and benefits of horticulture to nutrition, poverty alleviation, and the livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers and, ii) decisions by horticulture associations, other NGOs and farmers on investment in new approaches and technologies to improve value and resilience.

It will also provide opportunities for women and teenage girls and boys to improve their skills, engage in high value horticulture activities and improve income and livelihoods through the user friendliness of the technologies and the comprehensive training that will be provided in their use.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description We have developed solar powered refrigerated mobile trailer that can be used by rural farming communities in developing countries to reduce vegetable waste and increase their incomes through the ability to store their produce and sell during periods of higher market prices. We developed partnerships for the manufacture of the technology in India and have exported the technology from the UK to Nigeria, Tanzania and Kenya. WE are currently exploring options for manufacture of the technology in these countries.
Exploitation Route The outcomes will be uploaded on the web once they are analysed and the relevant reports finalised.
The Sol-Tech technology has been implemented in India-2 installations and a third under way and in Tanzania and Nigeria. Replications are expected in these countries but also in other developing countries outside the consortium.
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Energy

Environment

 
Description The Sol-Tech technology is currently being used in Tanzania, India and Nigeria. There are positive impacts through the reduction of food waste (fresh vegetables) and increased farmer income due to the ability to sell their products during periods of higher prices in the market. Data from the application of the system in Odisha have shown that the users of the SolTech system can double their income. More detailed impact studies are currently being undertaken in India and Nigeria. An application for further funding was been made to Innovate UK in the summer 2023 to further develop the system towards commercialisation. Unfortunately the application was not successful and now we are looking for alternative sources of funding to facilitate the further development of the sol-tech technology.
First Year Of Impact 2003
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Energy
Impact Types Societal

Economic

Policy & public services

 
Description Demonstration of Sol-Tech technology in India 
Organisation Jeevika Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Jeevika Trust - Work with the Trust and local partners in Odisha India for the demonstration of the solar powered cooling technology in Odisha.
Collaborator Contribution Jeevika Trust is co-ordinating the implementation of the technology in Odisha
Impact A number of reports are being produced from the collaboration
Start Year 2020
 
Description Development of cold chain refrigeration systems 
Organisation Hubbard Products
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Developed solar powered cold chain technologies for developing countries in the global south
Collaborator Contribution Technical support and advice as well as equipment
Impact This collaboration has led to the development of solar powered mobile refrigeration systems for food chain applications in developing countries.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Sol-Tech technology demonstration in Nigeria 
Organisation Netune Atlantic Limited
Country Nigeria 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Design and manufacture of the Sol-Tech technology and supply to Nigeria
Collaborator Contribution Local coordination for the demonstration of the Sol-Tech technology in Nigeria
Impact Reports on the selection of location and market for solar powered cooling technologies in Nigeria
Start Year 2020
 
Description TAHA/Tanzania Horticulture Association 
Organisation Tanzania Horticultural Association
Country Tanzania, United Republic of 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Developing a solar powered food storage and distribution technology
Collaborator Contribution Local information on market of the technology
Impact None yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description University of Nairobi-Collaboration on the Sol-tech project 
Organisation University of Nairobi
Department Department of Agricultural Economics
Country Kenya 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Develop a solar powered cold storage system for horticulture products. Demonstration of the technology in Kenya
Collaborator Contribution Data and analysis of local weather conditions and horticulture products
Impact No tangible outcomes yet.
Start Year 2019
 
Title Thermal design of on-farm storage systems for horticulture products 
Description The software can be used for the sizing and design of mobile cold storage facilities for horticulture products in developing countries. 
Type Of Technology New/Improved Technique/Technology 
Year Produced 2020 
Impact Impact will arise from the use of the software to design food cold storage and distribution systems for different regions in the global South. 
 
Description What makes a farm smarter workshop-On line workshop organised by Jeevika Trust with participation from Indian and UK industry, farming organisations and academia. 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The workshop was aimed at local government departments in India, agricultural organisations, and potential users of cold chain technologies in India. The purpose was to raise awareness of cold chain technologies and their use by rural agricultural communities without access to electricity. The event attracted close to 100 participants.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description What makes a farm smarter workshop-On line workshop organised by Jeevika Trust with participation from Indian and UK industry, farming organisations and academia. 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The workshop was aimed at local government departments in India, agricultural organisations, and potential users of cold chain technologies in India. The purpose was to raise awareness of cold chain technologies and their use by rural agricultural communities without access to electricity. The event attracted close to 100 participants.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021