Dulas, a British solar refrigeration manufacturer and renewable energy specialist, has launched its new VC225ILR refrigerator with its revolutionary phase change ice-lining at the Medic East Africa exhibition.

Building and improving upon Dulas’ existing product line, the VC225ILR boasts a bespoke design for use in the cold chain, enabling safe storage of up to 184.5 liters of vaccines in a range of climates. Crucially, using technology from Dulas’ Solar Direct Drive product range, the VC225ILR is a mains-powered refrigerator that can store vaccines without the risk of freezing.

With the World Health Organization currently accelerating its Global Vaccine Action Plan, which aims to reach 90% immunization coverage in each target country by 2020, there is a need for the increased deployment of robust and reliable cold chain devices to support this ambition.

Whilst aid agencies face a continued demand for life-saving immunisation services, these can often be hampered by a lack of access to reliable sources of electricity. Effectively supporting some of the world’s most challenging health programs, therefore, is contingent on being able to administer to large populations safely and reliably.

With the VC225ILR, the use of innovative insulation technologies has allowed Dulas to develop one of its most technologically advanced and energy efficient vaccine refrigerators to date, employing technology that ensures a prolonged hold-over period and a voltage stabilizer, which protect against outages caused by intermittent power supplies and unbalanced grid voltages.

In addition, it has been rigorously designed and tested to operate at temperatures ranging from 5° to 43° C, requiring only six hours’ worth of electricity each day. A robust steel cabinet and heavy duty castors guarantee durability while making the VC225ILR easy to handle. The refrigerator is also CFC-free and uses an R600a refrigerant to ensure low global warming potential.

Following the announcement of its launch, the VC225ILR will be employed at immunization centers throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Despite Africa’s urgent need for vaccine services, these have often been hindered by a reliance on a continuous supply of electricity,” said Guy Watson, Head of International Operations at Dulas.

“Having innovated the supply of solar power vaccine refrigeration systems in 1982, we know that to effectively meet the medical needs of communities in developing countries requires a constantly evolving product in order to take advantage of the latest technological developments and meet new vaccine needs.”

“We see this new model of vaccine refrigerator as having a strong potential—its improved high levels of energy efficiency will see it make a real impact in enhancing Africa’s immunization infrastructure.”

Dulas will be exhibiting at the Medic East Africa conference in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 27 to 29, 2016, at stand number D.F01.

Dulas
dulas.org.uk