This GCFSI-funded project aims to improve food storage and processing capabilities of smallholder farmers and their villages by constructing and testing two types of evaporative cooling technologies.

Project Implementers: Sangeeta Chopra, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, and Randolph Beaudry, Michigan State University

This project aims to improve food storage and processing capabilities of smallholder farmers and their villages by constructing and testing two types of evaporative cooling (EC) technologies. The first of the two technologies is the utilization of novel, high porosity bricks in the construction of the EC rooms that should enhance evaporation and cooling potential. The second innovation is the implementation of a solar-powered DC refrigeration module that is specifically designed for and scaled to EC room applications. In addition, the excess power generated by the solar array will provide energy to stimulate value-added processing activities in village communities. The research team is bringing together private business, NGO, governmental and academic partners to developing these two new technologies.