Report on Cold Chain Assessment of Jharkhand - 2005 - Nccvmtc.org

Cold Chain Assessment in JharkhandAll ILRs and DFs originally came with the three-pin plug moulded on the cable. Vestfrostequipment was supplied with a power supply plug designed for special power sockets; theseare often not compatible with the three-pin sockets on the stabilizers supplied. Hence, eitherthe original equipment power supply plugs are removed or an electrical extension box is usedto connect the equipment to the stabilizer.6.6. Alternative power supply: the solar energy solutionIn areas where there is no power supply or supply is unreliable, solar energy could be an option.But for solar energy to be a viable option, the following criteria have to be met:# For solar-powered refrigerators: Not less than 3.5kWh/day of global solar insolation duringthe least sunny month(s) of the year and appropriate sizing of the appliance to matchclimate and levels of solar energy. 10Solar equipment is site-specific, requires high investments, is costly to maintain and requiresspecially trained technicians for smooth operation, so the solar option decision has to bemade after considerable thought and planning.At present, preparations for the installation of solar equipment, which consist of wiring,painting the room, fitting of an exhaust fan with three and sometimes four sockets to plug inequipment, one light point and, frequently, a room fan, have been made at most of the sitesexcept for district Chatra, Pakur, Godda and Sahebganj,. In some instances, the wiring for thesolar electrical supply to the refrigerator has been wired into the general electrical circuit.This is considered highly unadvisable as this indicates a much higher load demand than thesolar hybrid systems can carry.It does appear that the proposed solar installation has resulted in the staff adopting a lackadaisicaland indifferent attitude towards maintenance of existing equipment6.6.1. Assessment of dual mode solar systemThree solar hybrid refrigerators have been installed as part of the pilot project (Ranchi centralstore, Palamu district store and Gumla district store). Procurement of more than 140 units isin process for installation at the selected PHCs The solar hybrid refrigerators are intended tofunction either by drawing power from the electrical grid or from solar energy. The modelprovided requires that it be manually switched from one mode to the other. This will be a significantoperational constraint unless PHC personnel are very well trained.Solar panels were stolen from two locations, and the replacement panels have not beenmounted for fear of further theft. The unit installed at Ranchi approximately two years ago nolonger operates in the solar mode since the battery is defective. Premature battery failure isdue to poor standards of installation and substandard components procured from the localmarket. The refrigerator cabinet, which has been imported from USA, is of good quality, althoughnot WHO-approved.The solar hybrid refrigerator systems are NOT appropriate for vaccine storage anywhere inJharkhand unless substantial technical improvements are made to the accessories and the installationstandards are improved. The systems, even with appropriate technical improvement,are inadequate to store vaccines at the 29 PHC locations where no electricity supply isavailable unless the size of the solar panel is increased by approximately 3 times.The systems could, with appropriate technical improvements, provide adequate vaccine storagecapacity at 60 other PHC locations, but only if the PHC personnel are trained to consci-10 Training Module: Management and Rehabilitation of Cold Chain (Draft)35