Life cycle assessment and cost analysis of locally made solar powered cooler for vaccine storage
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Date
2025-04-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Storing vaccines and perishable food in regions without access to the national grid presents significant chal-
lenges. Solar power generation technologies have emerged as a viable alternative solution to address these issues.
This study conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost analysis (CA) of the locally developed solar-powered
cooler to assess its economic viability and potential environmental impacts. The cooler was designed to preserve
vaccines and perishable foods for use, especially in areas with no electricity connectivity, as a cheaper alternative
to electricity-powered coolers. The results of LCA show that battery manufacturing was a slightly higher
contributor to environmental impacts across various indicators, with terrestrial ecotoxicity identified as the
highest impact among other environmental impacts. Cost analysis results further revealed that a solar-powered
cooler project demonstrated a positive economic outlook, with the unit manufacturing cost estimated at USD
2682. This quantitative analysis of life cycle and cost will help decision-makers comprehend both the economic
aspects and environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of locally manufactured solar-powered coolers. Such
insights will be instrumental in enhancing the sustainability of these products.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG - 2: Zero Hunger
SDG - 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG - 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG - 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG -12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG -13: Climate Action
Keywords
Life cycle assessment, Cost analysis, Solar-powered cooler, Environmental impacts