We belive on local manufacturing as strategy to increase cost efficiency of solar cooling solutions while creating specialized jobs . This way, only key components such as cooling units are imported while many other components can be sourced locally. The design, pre-assembly and final installation occurs locally which is essential to promote systems adapted to the local context. Our clients adapt technological solutions to the local demand and distribute sustainable cooling solutions under their own product brand. The main competitive advantages for local companies and entrepreneurs operating in rural areas are:
- Low transport cost of imported materials
- High customization for different agricultural value chains
- Maintenance and after sales services near final customers
How was the SelfChill approach born?
The SelfChill Approach was born at the University of Hohenheim between 2013 and 2018. It was developed out of the need of increasing cost efficiency and adaptability to agricultural value chains of the tropics and subtropics.
The first development was a modular solar ice-maker which provided ice blocks for insulated milk cans with ice-compartments.
Later on, modular solar direct-drive refrigerators with integrated thermal storage were developed.
The latest development was a modular solar water chiller suitable for cold rooms and milk cooling systems. Out of these concept, several medium-scale systems such as cold rooms, milk tanks and ice-makers were developed and tested under laboratory conditions.
kindly learn more of the begining of the SelfChill approach (former do-it-yourself approach) at Energypedia
Technology transfer
In the meanwhile, several modular cooling solutions have been piloted under real conditions and hundreds of componets have been developed and made available through the german solar company Phaesun GmbH. Please visit the SelfChill website to learn more about this successfull technolgy transfer to the industry.
Born with Love at the University of Hohenheim.
