Agriculture
December 26, 2023
EcoFrost Micro Cold Storage
Read SolutionImplemented by
Ecofrost Technologies, a subsidiary of Ecozen.
Updated on December 16, 2023
·Created on September 11, 2019
ColdHubs is a modular assembled walk-in cold room that is powered using solar energy to provide off-grid storage and preservation of perishable food products.
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.
Target SDGs
SDG 1: No Poverty
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
Market Suggested Retail Price
$28,000.00
Target Users (Target Impact Group)
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
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.
Competitive Landscape
Direct competitors include Evaptainers EV-8, EcoFrost Micro Cold Storage, and Mitticool Clay Refrigerator.
Regions
Africa
Countries
Niger, Nigeria, Tanzania
Manufacturing/Building Method
The different parts are sourced in batches and then assembled together.
Intellectural Property Type
Patent
User Provision Model
Users can obtain the product from the ColdHubs website. ColdHubs also have a pay-as-you-store model where smallholder farmers pay $0.50 USD per crate per day to store their produce.
Distributions to Date Status
Over 50 units sold (interview with representative).
Storage capacity (L)
Each Hub contains approximately 2–3 tons of perishable food arranged in at least 150 units of 30kg plastic crates stacked on the floor.
Time to cool (hr)
8Â Interview with representative
Cooling retention (hr)
21 days (504 Hours)
Temperature control
No
Minimum internal temperature (°C)
Materials of construction
The walk-in cold room is made of 120 mm insulating cold room panels to retain the cold.
Protection from insect entry
Refrigeration cycle catalyst
Design Specifications
Design specifications include:
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 20-25 years Interview with representative
Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters
Vetted Performance Status
Unknown
Safety
No known safety hazards are related to this product.
Complementary Technical Systems
None
Academic Research and References
“ColdHubs: Solar-Powered, Cooling-as-a-Service Solution | Knowledge Hub | Circle Lab.” Accessed August 19th, 2024
Compliance with regulations
Unknown
Other Information
Agriculture
December 26, 2023
Implemented by
Ecofrost Technologies, a subsidiary of Ecozen.
Agriculture
February 20, 2024
Implemented by
Stone Cold Systems
Agriculture
January 20, 2024
Implemented by
Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)
Agriculture
August 19, 2024
Implemented by
Godrej
Agriculture
August 21, 2024
Implemented by
EOS International
Agriculture
August 21, 2024
Implemented by
Science for Society
Agriculture
June 1, 2024
Implemented by
Cafedirect Producers’ Foundation
Agriculture
February 5, 2024
Implemented by
Vestergaard
Agriculture
August 23, 2024
Implemented by
Bioguaviare
Agriculture
August 23, 2024
Implemented by
Futurepump Ltd.
Have thoughts on how we can improve?
Give Us Feedback