The Herman Trend Alert

January 18, 2017

Off-the-Grid Refrigeration

When our author Joyce was in Myanmar on a Viking River Cruise, she was fortunate enough to visit one special village that was privileged to have a refrigerator; it was a really big deal to have one and its owners shared the appliance with their neighbors.

We take electricity for granted

Most of us take the availability of electricity for granted. Yet more than 1.2 billion people around the world live with intermittent- or no electricity. In fact, in the rural areas of most developing countries, up to 85 percent of the populace lives in the dark. 

The lack of electricity has a significant negative impact on four continents

Specifically, the continents of Asia, South America, and Africa are negatively affected from the lack of electricity. Moreover, this deficit is one of the major causes for the reduced economic development, as well as sustained high unemployment.

A tremendous need

The United States International Energy Agency estimates that to bring universal energy access to the Sub-Sahara region alone by 2030 would cost $300 billion USD. This figures does not even include the continents of Asia and South America that have similar off-grid needs.

Enter Solar Cool Cube

With two models of solar-powered, walk-in refrigerators called Solar Cool Cubes, DGridEnergy, LLC is a social benefits company based in Maryland, USA. Their units are being sold to Zambia and The Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, they are in discussion with Angola and more than 13 other countries in the world.  

Working model on display

The unique product is on display at the University of the District of Columbia Redbird Muirkirk Experimental Farm in Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Manufactured in the US and shipped in kits, Solar Cool Cubes may be assembled, serviced, and maintained locally to create jobs and employment. Designed primarily for small and medium size businesses, farmers, dairy and fishery cooperatives, horticulture, military use and more, its internal space can be organized for rental of cold space to community users. The system can cool dairy, produce, beverages, seeds, meat, medicine, vaccines, and even the remains of love ones.

Leading edge optional features

Optional features include a video display screen for training, public interest, or advertising and its smart–enabled applications allow it to be operated by cell phone for remote operation and mobile payment. It is an energy station that includes LED lighting and cell phone- and computer-charging capability for rural areas.

What's next for the technology?

Modular Solar Cool Cubes are currently available in two sizes: 20 or 40 cubic meter capacity and beyond. Though the products are stackable, we expect the company to expand its product offerings with artificial intelligence, so that the product can independently sell space to locals and take payments without human involvement. The AI from x.ai that currently schedules meetings could be adapted for this purpose. (Look for information on this software and other AI products in a subsequent Herman Trend Alert.)

For more information about The Solar Cool Cube, call Gene Faison at DGridEnergy at240.426.9604 or email him at  emfaison@dgridenergy.com.