Cold Hubs

Product Description

ColdHubs is a plug-and-play modular assembled walk-in cold room that is powered using solar energy to provide off-grid storage and preservation of perishable food products. It is designed to operate in rural rugged terrains where it responds to the problem of post-harvest losses in fruits, vegetables and other perishable food. They are installed in markets and farms within reach of farmers and retailers.

Market Suggested Retail Price

$28,000.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

ColdHubs currently partners with GIZ, Factore and Fledge. ColdHubs is also partnering with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to set up an off-grid cold storage system in a Refugee Market in Mtwara Region of Tanzania. Aga Khan Foundation East Africa is the project's local partner.

Design Specifications

Design specifications include:

The exterior dimensions are 3.048 m x 3.048 m x 2.1336 m (LxWxH).
The stainless floor is made with 0.8 – 1 mm aluminum.
The energy efficient monoblock refrigeration unit is connected to a set of inverters and batteries that supplies energy. These batteries are charged by solar panels generating about 5.7 kWh of energy.
ColdHubs are guaranteed to provide autonomous refrigeration 24/7 without grid connection.

Technical Support

On implementation of the pay-as-you-store model, ColdHubs recruits and trains locals (mainly women) for its management and operation.

Replacement Components

Batteries

Lifecycle

Between 20-25years^{Interview with representative}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Employs female small scale farmers by recruiting and training them to work as ColdHubs operators.
Reduces daily labour costs for harvesting and transportation from 5 hours per day to 1 hour per day through eliminating the need to return to the farm to store unsold, harvested produce or to harvest additional produce for sale.
Acts as a warehouse, providing farmers, an opportunity to store their products when there is product glut in the market and sell later when prices increase.

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

No known safety hazards are related to this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

None