Theses and Dissertation

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Browsing Theses and Dissertation by Author "Mbugano, Milton"

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    Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of locally made solar-powered cooler for storage of vaccine and perishable food stuff
    (NM-AIST, 2025-06) Mbugano, Milton
    Storage of vaccines and perishable food in regions without access to the national grid electricity presents ongoing challenges, especially in remote regions. Solar-powered system offers a reliable and sustainable alternative. This study presents a techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) of a locally developed solar-powered cooler designed for such conditions. The cooler serves as a lower-cost alternative to conventional electric-powered refrigeration units, especially where grid access is unreliable or unavailable. The analysis was performed using ReCiPe2016 midpoint indicators with SimaPro software and Microsoft Excel 2019 to assess both environmental and economic factors. Results from the LCA show that battery production contributes the most toenvironmental impacts, followed by solar panel. Terrestrial ecotoxicity was the highest environmental concern, with human non-carcinogenic toxicity also notable. The TEA indicates strong economic performance, with an initial investment of USD 2682, a payback period of one year, and a return on investment of 98.8%. These results support the cooler’s potential for use in off-grid health and food supply chains. These quantitative analyses provide valuable insights for decision-makers, aiding in understanding both economic aspects and environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of locally manufactured solar-powered coolers, thereby enhancing their sustainability.