Development of Remote Monitored Vaccine-1
Development of Remote Monitored Vaccine-1
Development of Remote Monitored Vaccine-1
SYSTEM
APRIL 2024
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ABSTRACT
While dealing with the daily challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is looking to
science for a solution in the form of effective vaccine preservation in transportation. According
to studies, temperature changes in vaccine storage cause up to 10% of vaccinations to be lost
during transport. Especially in rural areas where electricity is relatively limited, making it
difficult to maintain the ideal temperature range of -5°C to -10°C for vaccine preservation. This
vortex tube refrigeration system includes a vortex tube, a cold box, a compressed air storage
tank, compressed air hoses and a cooling coil. The Purpose of this project is for storing vaccine
and can be controlled remotely and can use solar battery as its source of power.
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CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
WHO (1998) asserts that “Effective management and delivery of vaccines is an important aspect
of improving healthcare for under-served communities in developing countries”. The World
Health Organization (WHO) estimates that vaccines prevent over 2.5 million child deaths from
fatal diseases annually. Access and availability of vaccines has improved tremendously over the
last 5 to 10 years with the influx of donor resources and increased supplies from several new
manufacturers. However, delivery and storage of these temperature and time sensitive vaccines
continues to pose challenges in many developing countries. The WHO specifies the procedures
to be followed for safe storage of vaccines, which include routine monitoring and reporting of
alarm conditions (e.g. storage temperatures deviating from the allowable range for a prolonged
period of time).
Vaccines typically need to be stored in a controlled +2° to +8°C environment in order to ensure
their potency (e.g. Figure 1 shows a few pictures of equipment used to store vaccines at a
SILIAS Health Clinic in Nicaragua). However, country cold-chains (the supply chains for goods
requiring constant refrigeration) are not always reliable; as a result, vaccines may be exposed to
temperatures that are either too hot or too cold, causing vaccines to be spoiled. Intermittent
power outages, limited availability of skilled staff for equipment maintenance, lack of spare
parts, and interruptions during transportation are common causes for these losses (WHO, 1998).
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Figure 1.1: Cold-boxes for vaccine storage at a SILIAS Health Clinic in Nicaragua
Organs and vaccines are frequently stored and transported in thermal containers. In distant areas,
where electricity is unavailable, these areas require consistent long-term refrigeration to maintain
the ideal temperature range of 2 to 8°C for vaccines in India. The requisite temperature
conditions are normally maintained for 6 (at best, 12) hours in light, compact containers.
Using vortex tube refrigeration, several researchers have offered a number of ideas.
Voronchikhin and Tuev (2022), proposed the prospect of using the vortex effect in a
transportable thermostatic unit. The temperature of the effective volume and its contents is
determined by the airflow pressure in the pipe. As a biological item, test tubes with 200 ml of
blood at 23°C were used to prove this.
Karthikeya, Amba and Madhu (2015), evaluated the energy separation in a vortex tube.
Additionally, they applied and evaluated turbulence models such as LES and k–ε, k–ω and used
CFD confidently throughout a wide range of operating conditions and geometries.
Nellis and Klein (2011), studied the potential performance benefit of replacing a refrigeration
system's throttling valve with a properly adjusted vortex tube.
According to Akash and Sumit (2020) experimental findings, the temperature drop is inversely
proportional to input pressure intensity; the higher the inlet pressure, the greater the temperature
drop at the cold exit.
In the intricate tapestry of global healthcare, the backbone of vaccine distribution lies in the cold
chain—an intricate network ensuring vaccines maintain their effectiveness from the moment of
production to the instant they protect an individual from disease. However, this network often
grapples with significant challenges, particularly in the context of remote or underserved regions.
The conventional cold chain, while admirable and functional in well-established healthcare
infrastructures, encounters hurdles when attempting to reach the farthest corners of the globe.
Thus, the focus of this project is rooted in the necessity to bridge the gaps in vaccine distribution,
especially in areas where conventional solutions fall short. The project's objectives are driven by
a collective vision to democratize healthcare access, aligning with the fundamental principle that
no individual should be deprived of vital vaccines due to geographical barriers or logistical
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constraints. Through this project, we endeavor to spearhead a tangible transformation that
enhances the reach and impact of vaccination programs, fortifying global health in an
increasingly interconnected world.
Remote and underserved areas present a unique set of obstacles to the traditional cold chain. The
scarcity of resources, the vastness of uncharted territories, and the unpredictability of climatic
conditions can disrupt the delicate balance needed to preserve the potency of vaccines. These
regions often face a concerning issue: inadequate access to adequate cold chain facilities,
resulting in compromised immunization efforts and an increased risk of preventable diseases.
According to WHO (1998), up to 10% of vaccines can be lost in transit due to temperature
changes required for preservation. Vaccines include sensitive biological molecules that can be
irreversibly destroyed by extremes of heat and cold. As a result, it's critical to keep a close eye on
vaccination temperature throughout its life cycle.
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In this backdrop, the need for a versatile and adaptive solution becomes evident. A mobile
vaccine cooling system, fortified with the latest technological advancements, offers a promising
strategy to circumvent these challenges. Such a system would not only ensure the optimum
storage and transportation of vaccines but also overcome geographical barriers that hinder
traditional cold chain systems.
Understanding the pulse of this urgency, the marriage of advanced technology and healthcare
innovation is poised to redefine the traditional paradigms. The envisioned mobile vaccine
cooling system, underpinned by cutting-edge temperature control and real-time monitoring
technologies, holds the potential to revolutionize how we approach vaccine distribution. Real-
time monitoring capabilities would equip healthcare professionals with immediate insights into
temperature deviations, system performance, and location, enabling swift interventions and
bolstering the preservation of vaccine efficacy.
The primary aim of this project is to design, develop, and implement an innovative Remote
Monitored Mobile Vaccine Cooling System, addressing the challenges of traditional cold chain
systems and ensuring the preservation of vaccine potency and effectiveness during storage and
transportation. The all-embracing goal is to contribute significantly to global public health by
improving the accessibility and efficiency of vaccine distribution, especially in remote and
underserved regions while the specific objectives are:
i. To design a robust and reliable system capable of maintaining precise temperature
conditions essential for vaccine storage and transportation.
ii. To produce a compact, easily transportable system that can adapt to various modes of
transportation and effectively reach remote and underserved areas.
iii. To develop a sophisticated real-time monitoring system capable of tracking temperature,
location, and system status.
iv. To optimize the system for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, exploring
renewable energy sources and eco-friendly technologies such as solar power.
v. To reduce operational costs and minimize the system's carbon footprint, aligning with
global sustainability objectives.
vi. To conduct performance evaluation of the developed mobile vaccine cooling system
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vii. To conduct training programs and capacity-building initiatives for healthcare
professionals and technicians involved in operating and maintaining the mobile vaccine
cooling system.
viii. To gather feedback from healthcare practitioners and stakeholders, facilitating
iterative improvements to enhance the system's functionality and address any identified
limitations.
The proposed project to develop a Remote Monitored Mobile Vaccine Cooling System holds
immense significance, addressing critical gaps in the current cold chain management for
vaccines. This initiative is not merely a technological advancement but a pioneering endeavor
that stands to impact global public health profoundly. The mobile vaccine cooling system will
break down barriers of accessibility, especially for underserved and remote communities. By
ensuring that vaccines can reach even the most distant corners of the world, we bridge the gap in
healthcare delivery and contribute to equitable access to life-saving immunizations. This project
will ensure that vaccines remain within the optimal temperature range during transportation and
storage, safeguarding their effectiveness and potentially saving countless lives.
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The incorporation of real-time monitoring capabilities adds a layer of safety and efficiency
previously unseen in vaccine distribution. Rapid detection and immediate responses to
temperature deviations will minimize the risk of administering compromised vaccines, bolstering
public trust in immunization programs. The mobile nature of the cooling system allows for
strategic deployment, optimizing resource allocation. Vaccines can be transported directly to
communities in need, reducing logistical complexities and lowering operational costs associated
with traditional centralized cold chain systems.
In regions susceptible to extreme weather conditions, the adaptability of the mobile cooling
system is paramount. This project addresses climate sensitivity, ensuring vaccine integrity is
maintained even in challenging environmental circumstances, bolstering healthcare resilience in
the face of climate change. With an ever-increasing threat of pandemics and emerging infectious
diseases, a robust vaccine distribution system is essential for global health security. This project
is a step towards fortifying our defenses against health crises by establishing a reliable and
adaptable mechanism for rapid vaccine deployment.
The emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability aligns with global environmental goals.
Utilizing renewable energy sources and optimizing energy consumption not only reduces
operational costs but also demonstrates a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
The training and capacity-building component empower healthcare professionals with the
knowledge and skills needed to operate and maintain the system effectively. This enhances their
capabilities, contributing to a stronger and more responsive healthcare workforce.
In summary, the significance of this study extends beyond the technological realm. It represents
a step towards a more inclusive, effective, and sustainable healthcare ecosystem, ensuring that
life-saving vaccines reach every corner of the globe. Through this initiative, we envision a world
where preventable diseases are a thing of the past, made possible by a well-distributed,
technologically advanced vaccine delivery system
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advancements in vaccine storage and distribution. These systems enable real-time monitoring,
improving knowledge of optimal temperature control throughout the supply chain. Early
warnings of temperature fluctuations can prevent spoilage, leading to more efficient resource
management. Additionally, collected data can contribute to optimizing storage protocols for
diverse environments.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
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2.1. Introduction
This chapter gives an extensive review on works and study related to this project, emphasizing
on different designs, analysis, and areas of application and safety aspects of view.
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Fig.2.1. Vaccine Supply Chain
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This section explores sustainable energy sources and technologies that can be integrated into
cold chain systems to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Emphasis is
placed on renewable energy solutions suitable for powering the mobile vaccine cooling system.
Fuss, Canadell, Peters, Tavoni, Andrew, Ciais, & Yamagata (2014) opined that Sustainable
energy solutions for cold chain systems are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
minimizing reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigating the environmental impact of refrigeration and
transportation processes. These solutions encompass a range of technologies and strategies aimed
at improving energy efficiency, utilizing renewable energy sources, and optimizing the overall
sustainability of cold chain operations. By adopting sustainable energy solutions, cold chain
systems can achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions, enhance resilience to climate
change, and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1. Introduction
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This section will cover the design of a robust and reliable system capable of maintaining precise
temperature conditions essential for vaccine storage and transportation, production of a compact,
easily transportable system that can adapt to various modes of transportation and effectively
reach remote and underserved areas, development of a sophisticated real-time monitoring system
capable of tracking temperature, location, and system status, optimizing the system for energy
efficiency and environmental sustainability, exploration of renewable energy sources and eco-
friendly technologies such as solar power, reduction of operational costs and minimization of the
system's carbon footprint to align with the global sustainability objectives, performance
evaluation of the developed mobile vaccine cooling system, conduction of training programs and
capacity-building initiatives for healthcare professionals and technicians involved in operating
and maintaining the mobile vaccine cooling system, gathering of feedback from healthcare
practitioners and stakeholders, facilitating iterative improvements to enhance the system's
functionality and address any identified limitations.
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Fig3.2: Cold box RCB 503L
total heat transmission coefficient (W/m2K), area (A) of heat transmission (m2), coefficient of
heat transmission of inside (αi), and outside (αo) surfaces are 6 W/m 2K and 45 W/m2K
respectively (ref.).
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The overall transmission load of all six walls is calculated as 33.0444W, with a 10% allowance
(for each side) taken into account as a precautionary measure in the form of heat infiltration from
unidentified sources.
The refrigeration system only after considering the safety factor of 15%, and the total
refrigeration capacity is determined as 84.087W.
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Fig. 3.3. EXAIR Vortex Tube model 3208
Swami and Bhavsar (2022) estimated that the essential requirement in this research work is to
achieve 276K at the cold end while maintaining a low temperature and pressure loss. For that,
the present study focuses on optimizing the design of a vortex tube model 3208 by utilizing
design parameters (such as the number of nozzles, and control valve settings) as well as
operational parameters (like varying input stagnation pressures, mass fractions and temperatures
at the cold and hot end, etc.) based on the design criteria. This research work is carried out by
using the ANSYS Fluent 2021R2 finite volume-based solver to solve the governing equations
and the boundary conditions.
1) Geometry Modeling
Fig. 3.4.1. shows the schematic diagram and the dimensions of the vortex tube under study. A
geometric model of the vortex tube with 2, 4, and 6 number of inlet nozzles were considered, as
shown in Fig. 3.4.2., and the following geometrical parameters are taken into account based on
manufacturing data and research for optimal performance.
1. D = 9.5 mm, L/D < 8.21 [26], where L is length and D is the diameter of the vortex tube;
2. The total relative area of inlet tubular nozzles Ai/A is equal to 0.14;
3. Ac/A = 0.44 is the cold air relative exit area [24];
4. The ring-shaped relative hot air outflow area Aho/A = 0.052, where Aho is the area of
the hot outlet and Ac is the area of the cool outlet [25];
5. In addition, for Conical
control valves with
diameter D1/D =
0.667 [25].
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Fig.3.4.1: Specifications of the Vortex Tube model 3208
a b
As illustrated in Fig. 3.4.2., there are primarily three cases based on the number of nozzles (2, 4,
and 6) that are taken into consideration for the flow and temperature analysis of the vortex tube.
Each of these cases is further subdivided into several subcases depending on the air inlet pressure
(3bar, 4bar, 5 bar, and 7bar).
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2) Meshing model
The ANSYS mesh 2021R2 workbench has its own meshing tool. The mesh is created using
hexahedral volumes and wedges. Along with face meshing and body sizing, inflation is applied
to all boundaries, including nozzle inlets, hot and cold outlets, and so on. To increase the number
of cells, the sizing option is also used with element sizes of 0.4 mm. As a result, the final mesh
created is a structured mesh with boundary inflation.
Fig.3.4.3. Structured mesh on - (a) Case 1 with 2 nozzles, (b) Case 2 with 4 nozzles and (c) Case 3
with 6 nozzles.
3) Mathematical Modelling
The flow entering the vortex tube changes velocity from subsonic to sonic, resulting in a
significant change in density. Therefore, a compressible flow model is used. The available
pressure gradient causes the flow structure to form inside the vortex tube. It is clear that the
phenomena of energy separation are not caused by any external energy interaction. Instead, it is
merely a redistribution of energy associated only with entering compressed flow. The energy
equation and the equation of an ideal gas are used to analyze variations in density in the flow
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field and temperature distribution. To develop a mathematical model for the current problem, the
following assumptions are made.
1. The working medium is an ideal gas,
2. The vortex tube wall is considered adiabatic.
3. The flow is steady, turbulent, compressible, and
4. The body force is negligible.
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Implement the remote monitoring system for healthcare providers to ensure optimal vaccine
storage conditions.
The development of a remote monitored mobile vaccine cooling system involves a systematic
approach that includes research, design, prototyping, testing, implementation, and remote
monitoring system integration. This methodology aims to ensure the creation of an efficient,
reliable, and user-friendly system that can significantly contribute to maintaining the efficacy
and safety of vaccines during transportation and storage.
Strengths
- Can recall information from previous conversations to provide personalized responses.
- Allows users to correct any misunderstandings or errors in the previous interaction.
- Is programmed to refuse inappropriate or harmful requests.
Weaknesses
- Can occasionally provide incorrect information due to limitations in its training data or
understanding.
- May inadvertently provide instructions or suggestions that are harmful or biased without
realizing it.
- Limited knowledge of current events and developments beyond the training data cut off of
2021.
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